I’ve taken the morning after pill seven times

Written by Anonymous, 25

I first took the morning after pill when i was 15. I’d lost my virginity and the condom had split- the sheer panic that coursed through my veins is indescribable. The morning after pill gave me a sense of relief, a choice as to whether I wanted to become a mother at such a young age.

The pharmacist, while concerned for my well being seemed so judgemental- that I was making a sensible choice for me in a situation that was out of my control? It made no sense at the time and none since.

Since then I’ve used the morning after pill on seven occasions. These have been through self error- drunkedly forgetting the condom with a long term partner, condoms splitting, taking the contraceptive pill incorrectly, being sick whilst taking the pill correctly – you name it I’ve been there. The pill has given me the option to become a mother or not- to take a chance that it might happen or not. It’s saved me from a life that I did not and still right now do not want.

We’ve been raised into a society where its shameful to be a young or single mother. Into a society where sex is STILL a taboo subject, where men are allowed to do as they please and us girls have to pick up the pieces. This gives us the option of what pieces to pick up. So why not take it?

It’s empowering to give yourself another option in a time where they are limited. It’s joyful to be able to take control of your life. It’s god damn liberating to be able to have sex, when you want, with who you want and still have your safe and more importantly chosen income on the other side of it.

The morning after the night before should not be the walk of shame, it should be a strut of pride that we, as women have the power.