Full circle

I became pregnant when I was 19. I was shocked, scared and overwhelmed. When I found out, I knew instantly that I wanted to end the pregnancy, and I’m lucky I had access to safe, legal, and affordable abortion care. Despite strong support from family and friends, I felt so alone in my experience and struggled with depression related to feeling shame and isolation. It took me a long time to feel safe or comfortable having sex again. But also, I threw myself into studying and found work that made me feel passionate and alive every day to do.  Now, I’m a physician who provides abortions to patients with stories both very similar and very dissimilar to mine. I am proud and humbled every day to facilitate their autonomy and I love my work. I know I would not be here if I hadn’t had the freedom to choose when and how I become a parent.