”No, it’s okay. I will buy some,” Amina said.
”Just keep a straight face when you get to the shop counter with the condoms,” said Baako.
Amina glared at him.
”Just kidding! I will buy some as well,” he said.
”Good! Like I have said in the past, there are other more effective methods of contraception but if this is your choice, then that’s alright. Hopefully if you stick to using condoms every time you have sex and remembering our discussion on how to use them correctly, no pregnancy will result.”
”I seriously hope not!’ Amina exclaimed ”I am definitely not having a third abortion.” Her voice broke.
There was an awkward silence in the room.
”Some people who have had an abortion find it hard to move on. Some keep blaming themselves or others. It can have an emotional toll.’ I paused and watched as Amina nodded, not raising her face.
”Talking to an experienced counsellor can help you come to terms with the past so you can move on and embrace the future. Would you like to speak to a counsellor about your experiences?”
”I think so,” Amina said quietly.
In a rare display of empathy which I didn’t realise he had in him, Baako reached out and took Amina’s hand.
If you are struggling with guilt concerning an abortion, please seek counselling today! You need to forgive yourself and move on. Our past experiences should not be allowed to destroy our future joys. But please take steps to ensure the past does not repeat itself.
