Hi, I’m a previous patient of Project 486, and I wanted to share my experience.

I first learned about Project 486 in 2023 because of a friend. She unexpectedly became pregnant, and I was with her throughout her entire journey. She used my phone to contact Dr. JJ, so I was already familiar with the team. At that time, I never imagined that just two or three months later, I would be reaching out for myself.

I was only 22 years old, still a college student, and not in a relationship. I’ve always been very open about being pro-choice. Even before it happened to me, I already knew that if I ever found myself in that situation, I wasn’t ready to become a mother. It wasn’t because I didn’t value life—it was because I knew my own circumstances, my goals, and what I was capable of. My mom and I had always been open about those conversations before she passed away, so when I found out I was pregnant, although I was terrified, I already knew what decision was right for me.

I had always been careful. I regularly tracked my menstrual cycle, especially whenever I was sexually active. I had recently stopped taking birth control pills after a breakup and mistakenly thought I wasn’t ovulating. I didn’t realize that stopping the pill could affect my cycle.

I contacted Dr. JJ, and from our very first conversation, he explained everything patiently and honestly. I was scared because I had to go through everything alone, but he never judged me. Instead, he reassured me, answered every question I had, and guided me through each day of the procedure. Knowing I had someone I could reach out to made one of the hardest moments of my life much less frightening. Thankfully, my first procedure was successful.

A few months later, I unexpectedly became pregnant again after reconnecting with my ex. I had taken emergency contraception because I genuinely wanted to be responsible, but unfortunately it wasn’t effective because I had likely already ovulated. I couldn’t believe I had to contact Dr. JJ again, but once again, he welcomed me with the same patience, kindness, and compassion. The second procedure was also successful.

Because of Project 486, I was able to continue my education without putting my future on hold. I graduated in July 2025, something I had worked incredibly hard for while balancing work and school. Whenever I look back, I honestly think about how different my life could have been if I hadn’t found them. Because of their help, I was able to finish college, achieve one of my biggest dreams, and continue building the future I had always wanted.

I truly believed that chapter of my life was over.

Later, I entered a long-distance relationship. I tried my best to be responsible by taking birth control pills, but the side effects—especially the constant nausea—became difficult for me, and I wasn’t able to take them consistently. When I found out I was pregnant again, I was in complete disbelief. I never thought I would have to contact Dr. JJ after almost two years.

I reached out through email, and to my surprise, he still remembered me. That alone brought me so much comfort. This time, my partner was beside me and supported my decision completely, but despite that, the third procedure became the most emotionally difficult.

One thing I’ve learned about my body is that I detect pregnancies very early because I closely monitor my menstrual cycle. During my third pregnancy, I hadn’t even officially missed my period yet. I was only around three to four weeks pregnant. All three of my pregnancies were detected before six weeks because I’ve always made it a habit to monitor my reproductive health whenever I’m sexually active.

Unlike my first two procedures, where I started bleeding within a few hours, the third one was different. It took almost 12 hours before I started bleeding, and because the pregnancy was so early, I couldn’t identify any recognizable pregnancy tissue. I became extremely anxious and kept thinking the procedure hadn’t worked.

Dr. JJ remained calm throughout the entire experience. He explained that because the pregnancy was still so early, it was completely normal not to see anything recognizable. We waited a few more days before repeating a pregnancy test, and thankfully, it came back negative. I remember feeling such a huge sense of relief. Looking back, that was probably the most anxious I’ve ever been, but having someone knowledgeable and compassionate guiding me through every step made all the difference.

I’ve gone through this journey three times, and not once did I feel judged. Every interaction with Project 486 was met with kindness, professionalism, patience, and genuine care. They respected my autonomy, gave me accurate medical information, and supported me through one of the most difficult decisions a woman can make. That compassion meant more to me than I can ever put into words.

Finding Project 486 is something I will always be grateful for. They became the people I knew I could trust whenever I felt scared, overwhelmed, and alone. Without their support, I honestly don’t know where I would be today. Because of them, I was able to safely move forward, graduate in July 2025, pursue my dreams, and continue building the life I chose for myself.

For that, I will always be sincerely grateful. Thank you, Project 486, and especially Dr. JJ, for treating me with dignity, compassion, and respect when I needed it the most.