Elaine Blakely of Huntsville, Alabama, describes the “safe, legal” abortion she had in 1976:
I am a woman who was exploited by abortion ten years ago. My abortion was free, legal and by no means performed in a “back alley” facility. In fact, the abortion facility was recommended by Planned Parenthood. Since I was not working at the time, Planned Parenthood happily gave me a “free pass” for the abortion. I didn’t even have to pay for the abortion. . .
At the Kansas City abortion clinic, I was given a pelvic exam. . . Contrary to what I was told, the abortion hurt very much and it led to severe complications. The “doctor” who performed my abortion perforated my uterus, cut an artery, and traumatized my colon. The doctor left me alone there with the “counselors” and one “nurse” for one and a half hours. After all the other patients had left the abortion facility, I was rushed by ambulance to a hospital across the state line for observation and blood transfusions. The ambulance rushed me to the hospital with lights flashing and sirens blaring in an attempt to save my life. The complaint that back alley abortions kills girls must be seen in light of the fact that girls are dying today from LEGAL abortions.
In order to save my life, a few hours later a hysterectomy was performed at the Kansas City, Missouri, Hospital. I am telling you this because I am an adult. I was misled into believing it was a simple procedure with no complications. Since then I have had eighty percent of my colon removed.
Amicus Brief in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services” by Christine Torre, et al.
BRIEF FOR FEMINISTS FOR LIFE OF AMERICA,
WOMEN EXPLOITED BY ABORTION OF GREATER
KANSAS CITY, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
PRO-LIFE NURSES, LET ME LIVE, AND ELLIOT
INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH,
AS AMICI CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF APPELLANTS