I can still picture that day vividly; it was in my 10th-grade civics class, just as we kicked off the spring semester. I was sitting in the front row, filled with rage. The subject? Abortion.
I was furious at my classmates—mostly boys—who were pro-choice. I turned around, my voice rising with indignation as I proclaimed that allowing such an act—terminating an unborn child—was abhorrent. “Those women should face consequences for their irresponsibility,” I declared.
Fast forward ten months, and there I was, waiting in the sterile lobby of an abortion clinic, grappling with the gravity of my situation.
I have always considered myself a conservative. I am a person of faith, raised in the Bible Belt, steeped in religious beliefs, and firmly convinced that our choices have eternal ramifications. Growing up, deviating from conservative values was not an option if one wanted to avoid harsh judgment from family and community.
Yet, over the summer, as I watched the DNC unfold, my perspective began to shift. I’ve always kept an eye on political conventions and the relentless smear campaigns that come with them, searching for truths that resonate with my own experiences.
While Hillary Clinton made history, it was Ilyse Hogue, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, whose words left an indelible mark on me. Her speech struck a chord, leaving me momentarily speechless.
Like Hogue, I had always dreamed of starting a family, but at 16, it simply wasn’t the right time. I was due to give birth just before my senior year began, and I knew I wasn’t in a position to provide a stable environment for a child. My ex-boyfriend was also not ready to take on that responsibility. I aspired to finish high school, attend college, and explore my future.
Having a child at 17 would have imposed a burden not just on me, but on both our families. We would have been reliant on their emotional and financial support, not to mention the childcare responsibilities. While many girls have successfully raised children at a young age and still achieved their goals, that path wasn’t for me.
Looking back, I realize I should have asked my mother for birth control. She had offered it before, but I was too embarrassed to accept. My mom would never have judged me, yet I felt too ashamed to reach out.
Our school didn’t provide resources for Planned Parenthood, and I was reluctant to seek help. I am incredibly grateful that my mother stood by me when I needed her most. She held my hand throughout that day—because, ultimately, I was still her child.
Hogue’s words inspired me. She reminded me that women don’t have to navigate tough choices alone or face shame from society for their decisions. Statistics show that one in three women will have an abortion by the age of 45, yet we rarely talk about it. In today’s society, having an abortion can feel like wearing a scarlet letter.
Every December 2, I reflect on my experience. I consider how different my life—and my ex-boyfriend’s life—could have been, and I feel content with my choice. I wouldn’t have my son, nor would I have had the chance to be a surrogate. I’m grateful for the life I have now and can’t imagine how things would be with a 10-year-old in tow.
Imagine if abortion were banned in our country. Women of all ages would be left with no choice but to either keep their child or place them for adoption. Nobody should be forced to give birth, and adoption is far from an easy solution.
Did you know that a child enters the foster care system every two minutes? As reported by AFCARS, at the end of fiscal year 2014, there were over 107,918 children in foster care waiting to be adopted, with more than 415,129 in the system overall. Of those in foster care, only 50,644 were actually adopted. The numbers are staggering—what would happen if women were compelled to carry pregnancies to term?
Even more heartbreaking would be forcing mothers to deliver children with terminal conditions, as they should have the right to choose how to handle such a painful situation. Thank goodness today’s families can decide what is best for them.
I’m tired of concealing my experience because of my faith and political beliefs. I’m weary of hiding, period. My political views shifted dramatically after hearing a four-minute and eight-second speech at the DNC. For the first time, I feel no shame.
Hillary’s nomination is just the beginning of breaking barriers. With Hillary’s backing, Hogue can help shatter even more glass ceilings. We have the right to determine what happens with our bodies. I refuse to carry the burden of fear, shame, embarrassment, resentment, or depression any longer.
This issue transcends my personal story—I want to ensure that future generations of girls facing circumstances similar to mine have choices available to them.
So, #ImWithHer.
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Summary
In this candid narrative, Jessica Reynolds shares her journey from being a staunchly conservative teenager to becoming a pro-choice advocate. Through the influence of a powerful speech and her own life experiences, she recounts the challenges and societal taboos surrounding abortion. By reflecting on her past decisions, she emphasizes the importance of choice and the need for open conversations about women’s reproductive rights.
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