Amanda Karolkiewicz allegedly describes shifting from being firmly pro-life to pro-choice after an unexpected sixth pregnancy upended her plans to return to work. While she loves her youngest son, she says he’s been her most challenging child, and having a much older husband, being stretched thin, and needing far more support than before pushed her to a breaking point. That experience convinced her that no one should be forced into crisis by an unplanned pregnancy, leading her to keep abortion medication on hand for herself or her daughters if ever needed. She closes by reassuring the original poster that prioritizing her mental health and her kids’ wellbeing is a reasonable, not selfish, choice.

“I used to be staunchly pro-life. I birthed three boys and adopted two daughters. I was ademant that five kids was my max. Then I was unexpectedly pregnant. I was finally about to go back to work bc all my older five were in school. Then we had to start over. Number six is hilarious and I love him so much, but he is the hardest child I have had. My husband will be sixty when he graduates high school. I am stretched way too thin, and am often on the brink. I have had to ask for so much help this time around. I am now staunchly pro-choice, because no one should be forced to the brink of a mental health crisis bc of failed birth control. I am loud and proud that if we ever find ourselves pregnant again I will take the abortion meds I now keep on hand in case myself or my daughters find ourselves in need. You know yourself better than anyone. Your kids deserve a fully functioning mom. You are NOT an asshole. You are sane and reasonable”.