I vividly recall sitting in my 10th-grade civics class, feeling a blaze of anger as we delved into the topic of abortion. The classroom was filled primarily with boys, and their pro-choice stance infuriated me. I turned around, fueled by outrage, declaring that allowing such an act — the termination of an unborn child — was reprehensible. “Those women are just being irresponsible and should face the consequences,” I asserted.
Fast forward ten months, and I found myself in the waiting area of an abortion clinic — humbled and reflecting on my past convictions.
Identifying as a conservative has always been part of my identity. I grew up in a deeply religious environment, where faith in God and adherence to the Bible were paramount. In the Bible Belt, we are generally raised with conservative values, and deviating from these beliefs often invites harsh judgement from our elders.
However, my perspective began to shift during the summer while watching the DNC. I absorbed the speeches, the political rhetoric, and the smear campaigns from both sides, trying to decipher the truth that resonated with my life. While Hillary made history, it was Ilyse Hogue’s speech, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, that left me profoundly affected.
Like Hogue, I had always envisioned starting a family, but at just 16, the timing couldn’t have been worse. I was due to deliver a month before my senior year began, and I was ill-prepared to raise a child or provide a stable home. My then-boyfriend wasn’t ready either. I aspired to graduate high school, attend college, and discover my path in life.
Having a child at 17 would not only burden me but also place an immense responsibility on our families. Many young mothers have succeeded in balancing parenting with their ambitions, but that wasn’t the life I wanted. Looking back, I realize I should have sought birth control from my mom. She had offered it before, but I was too embarrassed to ask. Thankfully, when I needed her support, she was there, holding my hand through one of the most challenging days of my life.
Hogue’s words inspired me. They reminded me that women don’t have to face these difficult decisions alone or suffer in silence due to societal shame. One in three women will have an abortion by the age of 45, yet discussing it remains taboo. It’s as if having an abortion brands us with a scarlet letter.
Each year on December 2, I reflect on my abortion and how it shaped my life. I often consider how different my life — and my ex-boyfriend’s life — would have been had I chosen differently. I’m grateful for my son and the opportunities I’ve had, such as becoming a surrogate. I doubt I would feel as fulfilled if I were raising a 10-year-old now.
Imagine if abortion were banned in our country. Women would be faced with the choice of either giving birth or placing their child for adoption, neither of which is an easy path. Did you know a child enters the foster care system every two minutes? According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), there were over 107,918 children waiting for adoption at the end of fiscal year 2014. If women were forced to carry every pregnancy to term, these numbers could rise dramatically.
Moreover, consider the heartbreak of forcing mothers to deliver children with terminal conditions, denying them the choice to end their suffering. The prospect of back-alley abortions leading to infections and potential fatalities is also terrifying.
I’m done hiding my truth because of my faith or my political affiliation. I refuse to be ashamed any longer. This transformation in my beliefs stemmed from a mere four-minute speech at the DNC, and for the first time, I feel empowered.
Hillary Clinton’s nomination is just the beginning. With her support, we can break more barriers. We have the right to decide what happens within our bodies. I no longer want to carry the weight of fear, shame, or resentment. More importantly, I want to ensure that future generations of women have the choices I had.
So, I stand with her.
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Summary:
This article narrates the personal journey of a pro-choice Republican who reflects on her past beliefs about abortion and how they changed over time. Initially resistant to the idea of abortion, she ultimately found herself in the position of needing one at a young age. The author emphasizes the importance of women’s rights to make choices about their bodies while confronting societal stigma around abortion. Through her story, she advocates for open discussions about reproductive rights and the need for supportive environments for women facing difficult decisions.