I was pregnant, but without hope. I had heard from people in the hospital that they offered safe abortions. So, I came, and the nurse took care of me and offered it to me without any problem.
It was a pill, everything was fine. Everything went well. I’m grateful, because I’m fine. I didn’t have any problems, I didn’t get ill, nothing. I’m happy and I’m getting on with my life, which I don’t think I ever expected.
Many people have problems when they have abortions outside of hospitals. But when I arrived here, the nurse received me with open arms and helped me, and I’m very grateful. Now I’m here without any problems.
When I came to the health centre, I saw posters saying abortion was safe and free of charge.
I heard people talking about it too. I wanted to get closer and hear more about safe abortion.
I came with a friend who had already had the abortion service, she accompanied me because I don’t have any family here. She supported me the whole time.

People used to die here, and now the hospital offers safe abortion without any problems.
The counselling we receive helps us a lot.
I felt safe, because I didn’t even get that ill, nor did I feel that much pain. I didn’t expect that to happen at all. But thankfully I didn’t feel pain, everything went well.
The hospital is helping a lot of women. People used to die, but now because of the abortion services nobody dies any more.
Interview with a 27 year old service user in Chitima district who accessed abortion through the work of SAAF grantee partner ICRH-M.