“i am free now. but for decades i lived in a cruel kind of inner solitary confinement. i had two abortions in my teens that saved my life and my future, but i was frightened into silent isolation for decades by endless messages of shame in society. i believed that if anyone knew about my abortions, they would despise and abandon me — even my husband and two sons.

but at the age of 40, i told one friend the truth, and that set me on a path of self-disclosure that continues to this day.

now, at age 58, 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. my husband and sons are my greatest supporters as i work to prevent end the brutality of abortion stigma.”

robin rayne is a magazine and newspaper photojournalist specializing in disability, human rights and gender diversity 世界杯赛程2022赛程表中国 . she also produces documentary film projects for disability-focused non-profit advocacy organizations and the university of georgia. robin is married and lives near the georgia mountains north of atlanta.