"faced with a choice, i chose my education. i chose a future as a college graduate instead of one as a single mom. scheduling my abortion felt like the first, real, adult decision i made for myself. it felt like taking control of my life, and committing to what i wanted for myself."
after my abortion, and after much time, there was a moment of relief and peace. i came to terms that i made the right decision. that moment of my shame being lifted off me was so liberating.
the reason that i chose to have an abortion is not relevant. i do not regret it, nor would i repeat it. it stays with you forever, and when i was older and had a miscarriage, my first thought was that i was being punished for having an abortion- irrational as it is, the thought was still there.
"it is my duty to end stigma that surrounds abortion, so that we can all have the access and privacy to make our own decisions about our bodies and not some politician."
"my story is one of self preservation, grief, emotions, interconnectedness and self love. my story includes the duality of life and death, loneliness and community, nostalgia and joy. among all these things, my choice to have an abortion is one of the most powerful and life giving choices i have ever made for myself."
the nearest planned parenthood was roughly three and a half hours from where i lived. the road was long. i had lots of time to process what had happened and where i was headed.