I got to the clinic about 30 minutes early because I was not quite sure what I would be greeted with. Thankfully there were no protesters, however an empty lot across the street had several signs stuck in the ground, a giant cross, and a couple empty lawn chairs.

The escort was the cutest little old lady. She stamped everyone that came in with a hot pink star on our hands. I wanted to hug her and bake her cookies.

Inside the place was empty, but it filled quickly. The place closest to me is sort of a multi-purpose clinic. Some were picking up birth control, others getting tests done. There was a group of about 10 of us getting abortions. Most were younger than me, though a couple were older. Most had at least 1 kid already. They were there with boyfriends, husbands, mothers, sisters, aunts, and friends.

One young girl came in with her mother, but when she had to leave the girl’s father came in to take the hand holding place. I thought it was sweet.

The waiting was the worst. I’m not sure if there is a state law on how long the procedure must take, but it seemed so slow compared to visiting a regular doctor. We were called back, one at a time, and had one thing done, then sent back to wait for another 30 minutes. It seems they could get medical history while drawing blood and checking my blood pressure.

Because I was originally thought to be borderline I was prepped for a surgical abortion. Luckily, the ultrasound showed that I was much early than I guessed I was. Which changes the night I thought I got pregnant. Huh.

Five of us were finally called back in a group. A flustered, yet friendly nurse gave each of us bags with pain pills and anti-biotics, as well as info sheets and a pair of rubber gloves. Because I’m prone to nausea, and have been having a lot so far, I got a painful shot in the arm that made my arm hurt all day.

The doctor came in, read us the standard rules, and handed each of us a cup with a small pill and a cup of water. One by one we took the pills, thanked him, and were sent out to the lobby.

I’ve been asleep since then, a side effect of the nausea shot. Even when I fight to stay awake I’m barely here and functioning.

Now I’ve taken one anti-biotic, and am about to go take my pain pill. Then in 30 minutes I have to insert 4 pills vaginally and lay flat on my back for 20 minutes to let them absorb in.

Then it’s go time. Yee-haw!