I was 19 years old and in my first year of university when I found out I was pregnant. As a young girl in higher education with no solid plan of what career I want to go into, deciding to have an abortion empowered me immensely.

I was able to combat the sadness of experiencing an abortion with the knowledge and empowerment that I have fully chosen my own future. I chose myself. The fetus was unwanted. It felt like I had a tumor growing inside of me and I felt so claustrophobic.

I feel deeply sad for the women in America who will now have to put the future of a fetus before their own hopes and dreams. I would be nearly fully term by now if I had not had that abortion and I am so unbelievably grateful I did because I am not ready to give my life and my future career up yet. My future was worth it and I am more than just a vessel to produce new life. I am a strong, intelligent, caring young woman. I am not a murderer. I am so proud of myself for choosing me.

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