Growing up, all I heard about abortion were sad stories about regret. People getting pregnant too young and feeling like they had no other choices. Being shamed by their families. Told they’d thrown away their futures.

Raised with this narrative, I grew up believing abortion should be conditional— only available to those in certain circumstances. But the moment I knew I was pregnant, I knew unequivocally that I would have an abortion. There was never a question in my mind.

Even though I was fascinated by what was happening to my body, it seemed magical and I was happy to know that I could get pregnant… I simply could not envision a future where I didn’t end the pregnancy.

I told my friends about my pregnancy and my choice to end it. And when I shared my story I was floored to learn I was far from alone. Almost every one I knew had also had an abortion.

Before that moment it had seemed so rare and shameful, like something that only happened to people who messed up. But it was really something completely normal, every one had done it and it wasn’t a big deal.

I did cry, I cried desperately, and at times it felt like I was dying. But I’ve never regretted it, not even for a moment.