I was a senior in college and in a volatile relationship. I lost 15 pounds in six weeks because my morning sickness was so terrible. I was constipated for five weeks. I didn’t question whether abortion was right for me, because I knew it was.

The second I left the clinic, I was relieved, calmed, and empowered. Every now and then, I think about how grateful I am that I had an abortion, and reflect on my growth and all the things I’ve accomplished since then—it’s my way of remembering to trust myself and recognizing how strong women really are.