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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Scared - Surgical abortion at 22 -23 weeks

155 replies

Charlietaylor123 · 09/01/2024 10:16

This is my first time posting but right now I feel like I have no one else to talk to and feel very alone. I apologise in advance for the lengthy explanation but need to get this off my chest.

I found out last week that I was 22 weeks pregnant. As you can imagine I was in complete shock! I currently have a 3 year old and a 14 month old with my husband and he has a 13 year old son from a previous relationship. My husband has been adamant he didn't want any more children and although I always wanted 3 of my own children, we agreed that we had our 2 children together and his son was our third.

We had plans for this year to pay off any outstanding debts and move to make our dream home.

This pregnancy was completely unplanned and unexpected and so I have been drinking throughout this pregnancy so far, so I'm feeling guilt and scared I have harmed my unborn baby already.

When I did the test last week, I was scared and knew that it would not be in my husbands plans and that he wouldn't want to keep the baby. When I told him the news he was initially calm but said "I'm not having another baby." To which I said I know and I'd booked an appointment with BPAS for a scan and consultation. The following day he said he was going to get booked in for the snip and needed 2 weeks off work to recover, and would go fishing to recover for 2 weeks. He said he was doing it for himself as he didn't want to be in this position again with me or in 10 years time "when he was with someone else". To that comment, I took offence to considering what I am going through right now and potentially doing next week for him, for us. Am I being over sensitive to his potentially jokey comment?

When I went for the scan with BPAS, I was a lot further a long than I initially thought as they dated me at 22 weeks. This means I need to travel to Liverpool next week and stay overnight as the treatment will be over 2 days.

We have barely spoken since and he asked me why last night to which it blew up in a full blown argument. I said I was tired (because I am the one that does literally everything for our 2 young children, the youngest still doesn't sleep through and there are nights when my eldest gets up and I have to see to both of them). He says it's because I chose to work 3 days a week and he works full time. He also said that he pays for all of the house and the bills, I just pay for childcare, anything for the children, the shopping and my own bills. My argument is that he earns 4x as much as me but he doesn't think I pay my fair share.

The other reason I said I've barely been speaking to him (and the main reason) is because I've got so much on my mind at the moment with next week's abortion pending. I am so unsure that I am making the right dedecision. I feel so guilty that I am killing our baby, particularly so late on in the pregnancy. However, I'm scared about how I will cope with 3 children under 3. I'm scared that either way, whether I go through with the abortion or not that our marriage is over. I'm scared about being on my own with 2 or possibly 3 young children. Part of me is thinking I can do it as my children make me so happy and I love them so much and I think my husband does really help with them in anyway anyway, but I am so worried about how I will cope financially.

I haven't got long to make my decision as the cut off for abortion is 23 weeks and 6 days (I will be 23 weeks 4 days when I have my appointment) so time is of the essence.

Everyone has their opinions about abortion and right now I don't think I can take much more guilt.

Has anyone been in a similar situation please? Please help.

OP posts:
TulipVictory · 09/01/2024 10:51

This abortion is a big deal, this baby is no longer a small baby either. It is fully formed. If there is any doubt in your mind, I would keep your little blessing. Your Husband can't be bothered to get a day off work for the abortion that HE wants.

TheKingnessofMadGeorge · 09/01/2024 10:52

I think you'll deeply regret this abortion if you get it. Your husband is a twat and your marriage is clearly over but it sounds like you'd be aborting your baby for him.

Gringlewald · 09/01/2024 10:53

You can absolutely do this by yourself. You just lack the belief. He’s done that to you. This is a huge decision and needs to be yours and yours alone. I hope you don’t do it but pray you don’t do it for him. Picture yourself in five years’ time in both scenarios. You are in the trenches with the two you have at the moment. Difficult ages. But imagine when time passes and both (or all three) are at school. You can do this. Be strong!

GreatAuntMaude · 09/01/2024 10:53

No way would I go through a 23 week abortion unless I was absolutely determined that I did not want at all, and could not handle, having that child.

Just don't, OP, you'll never get over it.

HoleGuacamole · 09/01/2024 10:53

Ignore anyone else’s views. Do YOU want this abortion? And that’s a different question to do you want this baby.

You alone will be dealing with the psychological and physical impact of the abortion.

There is no right or wrong answer to the above, and the thoughts and opinions of others are irrelevant to your life.

But sending hugs at a difficult time.

NancyPickford · 09/01/2024 10:54

You certainly do not need two weeks to get over a vasectomy!

He's horrible, selfish, uncaring and cruel.

Whatever you do, whatever you choose, your future life would be much better without him. Having said that, I think you would be right to not bring another child into your life at the moment. But of course, only you can decide that.

mumtumok · 09/01/2024 10:55

I could have written this myself , only difference is I’m not 22 weeks. I’m so sorry you’re going through that. I have a 3 year old (nearly 4) , 2 year old. They are both autistic. I found out just before Christmas that I was 10 weeks pregnant (14 weeks now) . I too had a partner that wanted an abortion - I was weighing up the pros and cons of having another baby- I thought if I’m already thinking of the pros then surly I shouldn’t be thinking of the cons. Everyone makes choices everyone has different views. Just know that it is possible. Your already sleep deprived- that wil just go on an extra 12 months or so. Whatever your choice don’t be pushed into it. Make it on your own free will and understanding on your mental health and happiness. Best wishes!xx

Nineteendays · 09/01/2024 10:56

Whatever you decide to do about your pregnancy (needs to be entirely your choice and not influenced by him), you need to leave this man. He sounds absolutely horrible

ChangeNameNameChange · 09/01/2024 10:56

Id keep the baby and get rid of the man.

Mariposistaa · 09/01/2024 10:57

I am disgusted. What a horrible man. Whatever you'd decide to do about the baby - get him out of your life.

Allthatglittersisntart · 09/01/2024 11:01

You sound like you want the baby if you feel guilty and planned on three. Don’t ever have an abortion for some-one else. It is your body.
Get a scan to see if there are any abnormalities but unless you have been binging it is unlikely you have caused FASD.

TommyJoesMummy · 09/01/2024 11:07

I can only say that what I would do. It is not HIS decision. It is YOURS!
I would have and love my 3 children and cut the twat husband out of my life.
Get everything sorted so that he pays for his children, live in happiness with them and away from him!
You realise he is making you do this, not bothering to turn up to see you abort your child, and taking 2 weeks off from you and his kids to fish and play with his balls?!
How much happier is his ex?
He knows he will be your ex in 10 years time when you have fought through the young child years and kicked him to the curb! That’s why his joke isn’t a joke!
He is a disgusting piece of shit.
In 10 years time you will either have your beautiful 2 children or your beautiful 3 children. Which do YOU want?
He won’t be in this picture.
Maybe someone lovely will?
Good luck and get out.
I’d be surrounding myself with those that support me, getting the admin sorted for finances and leaving him, then preparing to see Christmas with my kids and possibly a new baby. Good luck! 💐

Hallesmellie · 09/01/2024 11:08

Wow. He sounds awful. Would you consider leaving him? He would legally have to pay you child support which sounds like it would be more than you get from him now.

if you want to keep this baby, keep it. It’s in no way his decision.

short term, if you decide to do it then tell him his options are to take time off work and look after the children and you or you will not be having the abortion.

Shutupyoutart · 09/01/2024 11:09

What a horrible man, op don't be bullied into a decision that you might regret just the way you talk about this baby sounds to me like you really don't want to have this abortion. If you do and I'm wrong I apologise but if you do go through with it.do it cos it's best for you. Not him. Taking two weeks of to go fishing after having the snip but can't support you through something like that, and this is your problem ? Nope..he's a dick I'm sorry I'm not normally so blunt but he is being so awful and you deserve better x hope you are ok. X

Mumofyellows · 09/01/2024 11:11

toomanyleggings · 09/01/2024 10:33

What a shit. He’s horrendous. You poor woman. I’m sorry but I would be going forward as a single person. Men like that are a hindrance not help. Do you have any family support?
You can manage three on your own. It will be hard but women do manage. If you work three days you can get financial help and he will have to pay you maintenance.
You definitely sound like you don’t want the abortion and you shouldn’t feel pressured because he’s inconvenienced.

This! Make your decision based on you, not him. If you have the baby, you will be manage and you will be ok. Sending you a big hug ❤️

wantit · 09/01/2024 11:14

Oh my, OP, it's upsetting to read this predicament. What I see is major red flags: a comment about not being with you in 10 years, that the children aren't his responsibility, that he is off fishing for two weeks rather than looking after you, that he won't even take you to have the procedure.

I know you don't want to think about it too much, but I honestly think you are going to be traumatised and it's going to affect you heavily and deeply and without a supportive partner. I am not getting the view that this is what you want, if you are pushed into this by this man who doesn't seem to care about you, I really worry for how things will be in the aftermath. I am all for women choosing what is right for them, I don't think going through with this is right for you. You are not going to improve the relationship by going through with this. The bigger house etc, it isn't going to mean anything when you're with someone like this.

FlatWhiteExtraHot · 09/01/2024 11:15

So he gets two weeks off for a minor procedure and you get no time off at all for a traumatic event? That in itself is enough to tell him to fuck off.

Take the emotion out of the termination and the bare fact is that he’s not prepared to support you through a medical procedure (that HE wants you to have). That’s not a partnership.

Do what you want about the baby, but he’s a piece of shit.

Dillane · 09/01/2024 11:16

GavinHendersonsChipPan · 09/01/2024 10:26

It’s clear you don’t want this abortion.

Do not be pressured into doing something that makes life easier for this callous, unkind man.

Keep your baby but dump this awful man.

Unicorns41 · 09/01/2024 11:17

You don’t go through with an abortion for him, you make the decision on if you want to keep the baby for yourself or not.

You do however need to make plans to leave because he is completely selfish. I can’t imagine any partner that would not find a way to be quiet them for such an emotional procedure or at least support them by sorting the childcare!

LogicVoid · 09/01/2024 11:18

Make your choice about the baby. Dump the OH. He doesn't deserve you or to be part of a family. So do what is right for you.

Azerothi · 09/01/2024 11:20

No judgement from me, I would support any women to go through HER choice.

One thing, you will regret having an abortion under these specific circumstances, you won't regret losing the absolute monster of a husband.

Madeupballs · 09/01/2024 11:20

It’s clear you want the baby. And you’re SO far along! Babies born prematurely survive at less gestation than this. What will this do to your mental health, when presented with the reality of the surgery performed?

OP I really feel for you.

NonPlayerCharacter · 09/01/2024 11:21

Well I think you'll be better off without this horrid man who has already admitted you aren't in his long terms plans (no, that wasn't a joke). So whatever decision you make, don't base it on what he wants. No idea why he didn't book for the snip sooner if he was so sure he didn't want more kids.

scoopoftheday · 09/01/2024 11:21

Oh love, I am not against abortion, but it's clear you want to keep your baby.

He's not the man for you. Anyone who can coerce their partner into an abortion two days prior to a cut off date needs a reality check.

It would be entirely different if this was your decision, but it doesn't seem to be what you want, love.

Have a talk with someone you trust in real life; someone who knows you and knows the mother you are.

I certainly wouldn't be considering the opinion of a man who says he will be with someone else in years to come.

Keep your baby, dump the useless man.

PillowRest · 09/01/2024 11:21

I would think very hard before going through with this, and be aware of how far on the baby is so you don't find out in future and end up traumatised.
Babies can survive at 22 weeks if lucky, it's very much a properly formed baby and usually termination at this stage is reserved for NCWL.