carey

I had an abortion when I was 19. I was a college student, in an unhealthy relationship and didn't want a child. I was so ashamed of becoming pregnant that I attempted suicide. I can't imagine what kind of mother I would have been. While I have no regrets about the abortion - I have never doubted the decision, ever - I have felt a great deal of shame around it simply because of the shame projected onto it culturally not because I am ashamed of the decision I made. I resent that women's experiences of abortion are so silenced and I work hard to role model not being ashamed. As a result I try to talk openly about having had one with my students when the topic arises.