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Abortion is an extremely divisive topic that can ignite passionate arguments, even among the closest of friends. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, one undeniable truth is that it is an invasive medical procedure. Like any medical procedure, abortion carries risks, with the unique consequence that a 'failed' procedure often results in the premature birth of a child. We will spare you from graphic images or political debates, instead focusing on the personal accounts of 10 individuals who claim to have survived an abortion and chose to show the world just how difficult it would be to remove them completely.
10. Melissa Ohden
Born in 1977, Melissa Ohden came into the world under extremely challenging circumstances. Her birth mother opted for a saline abortion when she was approximately seven months pregnant. Unlike other methods of abortion, a saline abortion takes longer to complete. A solution surrounds the fetus, designed to burn it to death, a process that can last several hours. When this procedure did not go as expected, Melissa's body was discarded. She claims a nurse found her crying in a trash bin and saved her life.
Before the 2012 United States Presidential Election, Melissa appeared in a pro-life advertisement where she condemned Barack Obama's position on abortion, sharing part of her own story. She survived an abortion attempt and, undeterred, went on to earn a master's degree in social work. In 2008, she gave birth to her own child in the same hospital where her mother had once attempted to abort her.
9. Gianna Jessen
Gianna Jessen’s story is a testament to resilience and hope, showing how one can overcome the most difficult beginnings and turn their challenges into a platform for change and motivation.
Despite these obstacles, Gianna refused to be held back. Although her muscles were weak for much of her life, she dedicated herself to strengthening them. Her perseverance led her to run the London Marathon. Gianna continues to lead an active lifestyle and has become an inspirational speaker, encouraging young people to make responsible and positive choices.
8. Sarah Brown
Sarah Elizabeth Brown was almost carried to full term; she was 36 weeks into the pregnancy when her mother chose not to keep her. She was then taken to Dr. George Tiller, a renowned late-term abortionist from Kansas. Dr. Tiller was known for his spotless record of providing abortions, having never caused a mother's death during the procedure.
Sarah was supposed to undergo a potassium chloride injection to end her life, but the injection didn't work as intended. Rather than the needle reaching her heart, it punctured her brain. As a result, Sarah was born soon after and was adopted. She was blind, had a stroke at six months old, and ultimately passed away from kidney failure at the age of five. Despite these challenges, she was described as a joyful and normal child, given the circumstances. Dr. Tiller, the doctor responsible for her abortion, was later assassinated by a pro-life vigilante.
Sarah's story is one of tragic misfortune, but it also reflects the incredible will to live and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship.
Josiah is a young man from Oklahoma who has become deeply involved in the Abolitionism movement. While in the past, abolition movements fought against things like slavery, today's focus is on completely eliminating abortion as a choice for pregnant women. Josiah has a personal reason to oppose abortion: he was born after a failed abortion attempt in Korea, which left him with a severely damaged arm. After being adopted by a family in Oklahoma, he grew up healthy. One of his most notable achievements is being the lead speaker in an advertisement created to challenge the Personhood Amendment during its debate in Oklahoma a few years ago.
6. Brandi Lozier
Brandi Lozier, originally from Louisiana, was scheduled for an abortion through a saline procedure when her mother was just over four months pregnant. After the procedure was completed, Brandi was declared a dead fetus, and the clinic staff began preparing to dispose of her body. However, just as they were about to do so, Brandi is said to have raised an arm, prompting the staff to revive her.
Today, Brandi dedicates herself fully to the pro-life movement, working tirelessly as an advocate and offering her voice as a speaker at rallies, church gatherings, and other events where she shares her personal story. She often spends extended periods outside state buildings holding vigils, sometimes for days or even weeks. One of her most significant roles so far has been as the main speaker at a pro-life rally organized outside the Democratic National Convention in Colorado.
5. Dr. Imre Teglasy
Dr. Imre Teglasy’s story is remarkable because he survived an abortion in a time before standardized abortion procedures existed. His parents were being deported from their homeland when his mother discovered she was pregnant. Wanting an abortion, she found no way to access one, and despite her husband's objections, she attempted to abort the pregnancy herself. Her attempt failed, and Dr. Teglasy was born healthy.
Dr. Teglasy went on to have a successful life, though he describes his relationship with his mother as complex. This was before his father revealed to him the story of his birth. Today, Dr. Teglasy holds a doctorate in literature and works as an advocate for women facing crisis pregnancies, running a hotline to assist them.
4. Claire Culwell
At just 13 years old, Claire's birth mother became pregnant. Given the challenges of such a young pregnancy, both medically and financially, she went to an abortion clinic. The procedure was initially successful, and she left. But a few weeks later, her belly continued to grow, so she returned to the clinic. The doctor gave her unexpected news—she was still pregnant. The first abortion had only ended one of a pair of twins.
Several weeks later, Claire was born prematurely and in a delicate condition. The lower half of her body was severely affected, and she required extensive physical therapy as an infant to help her hips, legs, and feet develop properly. Over time, Claire and her birth mother built a positive relationship. Claire even considers her birth mother a 'hero,' as she chose not to have a second abortion, believing that their decision is now making a life-changing impact.
3. Finley Crampton
Finley Crampton comes from a family with a history of serious medical issues. His mother, Jodie Percival, carries a gene that leads to kidney problems in children developing in her womb. She tragically lost her first child to kidney complications after only about 20 minutes. Her second child also had kidney issues but survived, and today lives with just one kidney.
Finley was conceived while Jodie was on birth control, and after the loss of her first child, she decided to terminate the pregnancy at eight weeks to avoid the heartbreak of losing another child. However, a few months later, she noticed her belly was still growing, and doctors confirmed that she was still pregnant. Jodie decided to carry Finley to term, and he was born at a little over six pounds. Though he has kidney problems like his siblings, he is expected to live a normal life after overcoming the odds of contraception and an abortion attempt.
2. Keira Harmsworth
Keira, one of the younger survivors on this list, has a long life ahead of her. At just 16, her mother, Chelsea, discovered she was pregnant and decided to have an abortion at around 10 weeks. Chelsea thought the procedure had been successful, but she continued to experience signs of pregnancy over the next few months. A few months later, when Chelsea went back to the doctor, she was shocked to learn that the abortion had failed. Feeling guilty, Chelsea chose to continue the pregnancy, and Keira was born. Although the abortion caused some developmental damage to Keira's hands, she is now a healthy and happy young girl, and Chelsea says they share a strong bond.
1. Carrie Holland-Fischer
When the suicide attempt failed, Carrie realized that her life had meaning. She now dedicates her time to speaking, encouraging young women to understand their beauty regardless of external factors. Not only did Carrie survive her suicide attempt, but she also survived an abortion attempt, which caused the disfigurement and health issues she faced. Carrie is now happily married and has successfully become pregnant, defying the odds.
Carrie is now happily married and has been able to become pregnant against the odds.
