I was 20 when I had an abortion. I was in an emotionally unhealthy relationship. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t have anyone to talk to about my choices. I sought out a pregnancy center to talk things over and guess what… it was one of those super religious places that ended up bringing in two people to lecture me about how I was doing the wrong thing. I was just a kid, really, and didn’t really know how to speak up for myself. I had gotten myself in this relationship I didn’t know how to leave, then a pregnancy that I didn’t know how to make my own decision about, and I didn’t know how to respond to these people, these strangers, telling me I was wrong to consider an abortion. That’s what pushed me over the edge, strangely, and made me recognize what I wanted and what I needed.

I come from generations of mothers who have been held back in life by less than healthy relationships along with teenage or early 20 pregnancies. I changed my role in this cycle.

Was it a difficulty for me? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Not even a bit.

What I grieve is that no one taught us or talked to us about safe sex. No one spoke openly about it. I grieve not being taught that I deserve to have choices, to speak up, have a voice, and be happy. I’m sorry that I had to go through this. No one really wants an abortion, but our circumstances sometimes make it end up that way.

I AM so very happy with my life. It’s been 13 years. I’ve done so many things for myself and others that I couldn’t have done if I had remained in this generational cycle.

We are all stronger than we think.