I accidentally got pregnant the first time I ever had sex.

I was 15 years old and my boyfriend was 14 years old. We used a condom but had no clue what we were doing and likely used it incorrectly. A few weeks after I had sex, I went to the doctor’s office to request birth control pills and they did a pregnancy test as a standard procedure, and it came back positive. I literally fell to the floor screaming and crying. It was one of the worst days of my life. I immediately knew I wanted an abortion. In my mind there was no other option. I had big dreams and being a teen mother was not one of them.

I walked out of the doctor’s office in a complete daze. I was in grade 10, was always a star student and a star athlete. I was ashamed. I felt so stupid. I was terrified that other kids would find out. I was terrified to tell my boyfriend. I was terrified to tell my parents. This was my worst nightmare.

I told my boyfriend but he was just a kid and was of no help whatsoever. I told my mom and begged her not to tell my dad. She literally didn’t believe me and left the room. Once it sunk in, she came back in the room and cried. I cried. I told her I needed to have an abortion. She was a teen mom, her sister was a teen mom, so she said she would support me if I wanted to carry this baby to term. I told her that I was firm in my stance on wanting this abortion and I would not change my mind.

A couple weeks later I had the abortion. It was routine and I was able to physically go about my normal life soon after. But mentally and emotionally I was an absolute mess for about a year. That year was the first year I was not on the honor role. I got into a variety of drugs and alcohol. It was bad.

But the following year I pulled myself together, went on to graduate with honors and get a full-ride scholarship to a prestigious university. I graduated with a master’s degree. I’m currently happily married with two children.

Having an abortion was a terrible thing, I wish I had never gotten pregnant in the first place. I regret getting pregnant, but I do not regret having an abortion. I would not be where I am in my life without having had the option.