“i was 16, a junior in high school. my boyfriend was abusive. i couldn’t bring a child into that. i had a bright future, so many goals and aspirations. i promised myself whenever i brought a child in this world, i would give him or her the best life possible. i made the best decision for that child and for myself."

"i am dedicated to talking publicly about my abortions as a way to fight the stigma that hurts so many people and creates barriers to care. i understand that my silence only nourishes the people who call us killers."

"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."