I’ve known all of my adult life that I never wanted to become a parent.

I was in graduate school and happily engaged when I got pregnant despite being on oral contraceptive birth control. I’ve known all of my adult life that I never wanted to become a parent.

Pursuing an abortion was an easy decision for both me and my partner. It was no different to me than getting a root canal–an uncomfortable procedure, but necessary. I have since been permanently sterilized, which is a privilege in and of itself. I have never felt any guilt about getting an abortion and the experience was in no way traumatizing. Abortion is essential healthcare that should be accessible to all.