i had two abortions – one when i was 22 and one when i was 23, within months of each other. both with the same partner. he was a crack addict and already had two kids he didn’t properly care for. i was a smart and talented girl with very low self esteem and a desire to “fix” him. he did have a good heart but was massively flawed otherwise.

my decision to end both pregnancies were extremely wrenching. i was not quite to the “self supporting” phase of my life. my father had just passed away and i lived with my mother. i saw a terrible outcome for me, the child and my mother. i had yet to embark on any career path and really just was drifting. i was certain that the father of these zygotes would be either dead or in jail in the near future. i spent many days and nights thinking, praying, crying and trying to make sense of my situation. ultimately, abortion was the decision i made.

i do not regret my decision. i am so extremely grateful that the law ensured that it was my body and my decision. i, like almost everyone that is pro-choice, am not pro-abortion. i do firmly believe that the decision was mine alone, not the government’s decision. the government sees me as capable of making other decisions independently – knowing right from wrong, not drinking and driving, etc. this very personal decision was the right one for me and my situation. this is a basic right women fought hard for and should continue to protect. we are sentient individuals and must not cede our independence!!