You're the Only One I've Told: The Stories Behind Abortion

by Meera Shah

There is no such thing as a good abortion or bad abortion or someone who is worthy of an abortion or someone who is not.

In a way, her first abortion was an act of love for herself.

Abortion is health care. But there is no other form of health care that requires patients to face as many obstacles. The laws don’t dictate how we counsel patients before their knee surgery. The laws don’t make us lie to our patients before their colonoscopy. Our system is failing people, especially people of color.

We have no idea where someone is coming from or what has put them in the position to have an abortion. We must trust that the person is doing what is best for them and their family.

Reproductive freedom leads directly to economic freedom, a path to achieve educational and career goals, and a sense of freedom from the home.

The fight for common sense is both so uphill and so obvious that it’s maddening. I feel confused daily why people are so interested in controlling other people’s lives and in doing so, hurting so many other people.”

So this raises the question: where are all the men at the marches holding up their signs that say, I HAD AN ABORTION, AND IT CHANGED MY LIFE?

“It doesn’t matter what the circumstance is or what’s happening to a woman or to a family: that’s her choice or their choice. And it’s none of my damn business.”

“As a woman of faith, I believe that every person has the right to decide what is best for them.”