My Choice

This story begins in early 1971. The Vietnam War raged on, while the Civil Rights and Women’s Liberation movements continued their fight against long-standing inequities in the United States.

Unmarried women faced significant discrimination when trying to sign contracts or purchase property on their own. Abortion was not yet legal except under very specific circumstances for adult women and not at all for minors without parental consent.

At 15 years old, I found myself pregnant and being driven to the doctor by my boyfriend for an abortion. He said this doctor would perform the procedure without my mother’s permission, but I had to convince him that I was mentally stable enough to make this decision on my own.

I was terrified and did not want an abortion. As I sat in the room, trying to cover myself with the thin paper gown, I desperately tried to think of something I could say to make the doctor refuse to perform the procedure.

After an emotionless discussion and a very cold examination, the doctor told me to get dressed and left the room.

A few minutes later, he returned. Speaking in the same flat tone, he said, “I’m sorry, but you’re too far along for an abortion.”

I was overwhelmed with joy and immediately began to cry. I now had to tell my boyfriend, who was waiting in the car. Knowing he would be furious, I let him believe that my tears were because we couldn’t go through with it.

A few months later, my daughter was born, marking the beginning of my new life as a mother.

Now, 53 years later, the issue of abortion and women’s reproductive rights is once again facing restrictions and is at risk of being subjected to increased government control.

In 1971, I had no choice. If I had not been six months pregnant, that doctor would have proceeded with the abortion, illegally and against my wishes.

Implementing and upholding laws that protect women's rights is essential for safeguarding our fundamental freedoms and opportunities. It empowers us to make autonomous decisions about our lives and our bodies.

The choice must always be ours.