Susan L Jakoboski

I’m sharing this because I believe medical decisions—especially life-altering ones—require clear communication, informed consent, and care for everyone affected. At a recent point in my life, my wife received medical care that I was not aware of until after it had already occurred. I learned shortly afterward that she had been prescribed and had taken medication intended to terminate a pregnancy. I want to be clear: I’m not a medical professional, and I’m not making a legal determination about what did or did not occur. I’m sharing my personal experience and the impact it had on me. What was most distressing was not simply the medication itself, but the way I learned about it—after the fact, without prior discussion, explanation, or opportunity for involvement. The discovery came suddenly and was emotionally destabilizing. I also experienced fear and confusion about safety. I did not understand the risks involved, what medical follow-up was required, or what complications to watch for.… At the time, I felt unprepared and alarmed by how little information I had access to. I recognize now that informed consent is not just a form or a prescription—it is a process. It is explanation, transparency, and time. It is making sure patients understand what is happening to their bodies and what support systems are in place afterward. This experience taught me that silence and speed in medical decision-making can be deeply harmful, especially when those decisions carry physical, emotional, and relational consequences. I am not writing this to hold NP Susan Jakoboski accountable. I am writing because I believe patients and families deserve clarity, caution, and respect—particularly when the stakes are high. Healthcare decisions should never leave people feeling blindsided, frightened, or excluded from understanding what has occurred. If sharing this experience helps someone slow down, ask better questions, or seek clarity before acting, then it serves a purpose.