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Denied Choice

I never thought I would have to fight for control over my own body. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wasn’t ready. It wasn’t just about me—I was not in a stable relationship, I was financially dependent, and emotionally, I was not prepared to bring a child into this world. I needed an abortion, but the laws and system in India made it an uphill battle.

In India, abortion is legal under certain conditions, but the process is full of restrictions. Since I was unmarried, doctors questioned my morality instead of my medical needs. Some refused to help, shaming me for even asking. Even though the law allows abortion up to 24 weeks under special circumstances, I needed approval from multiple doctors, and time was running out. The legal delays, judgmental attitudes, and lack of proper information made me feel helpless.

I was desperate. I searched for private clinics, but they were either too expensive or unwilling to help without unnecessary paperwork. The thought of unsafe, illegal options crossed my mind, but I knew the risks. I reached out to a women’s rights helpline, and they guided me through the legal process. They helped me find a doctor who understood my situation and was willing to provide safe medical care without judgment.

The biggest challenge was not just the law itself but the stigma around abortion. Society sees it as a sin, not as a woman’s right. Women are forced to carry pregnancies they don’t want, simply because they are not given a choice. Many don’t even know their rights, and those who do are blocked by bureaucratic delays and societal pressure. 

Today, I am finally free from the fear and uncertainty that once consumed me. With the support of the helpline and the right medical guidance, I was able to access safe abortion care. The process was emotionally and physically challenging, but I have no regrets—I made the right decision for myself.

However, the scars left by this experience run deep. I had to fight for something that should have been my basic right. The judgment from doctors, the whispers from society, and the stress of navigating the system made me realize how far we still have to go. But I refuse to stay silent.

Now, I use my voice to help others who are trapped in the same struggle. I speak to women about their rights, about the support systems available, and about the importance of safe medical care. No woman should have to go through this alone. The battle for reproductive rights in India is far from over, but I am stronger now, and I will continue to fight—not just for myself, but for every woman who deserves the right to make her own choices.

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