As we approach the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade this January, we reflect on the monumental Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the United States. While abortion has always been a contentious issue, the intensity of the opposition since 1973 has been profound. Today, abortion remains a hotly debated topic, despite the fact that approximately one in four women in the U.S. has had an abortion—a statistic that includes my own experience.
In December 2012, I wed a man I had been dating for several years. Throughout our relationship, I harbored significant doubts about our future together; he exhibited abusive and erratic behavior, making him an unsuitable partner for building a family. Although I probably should not have gone through with the marriage, escaping an abusive relationship is never easy, particularly when financial and social ties complicate the situation. I was aware deep down that things would not improve, yet the thought of leaving felt overwhelmingly daunting. So, we married.
Shortly after our wedding, I began to feel unwell, prompting me to search my symptoms online, expecting to uncover serious health issues. Instead, every result pointed to pregnancy. I was using birth control, so I dismissed the idea. However, after several unsuccessful searches, I unearthed an old pregnancy test from our bathroom. To my shock, it showed a positive result.
From the moment I saw that test, I was certain I needed an abortion. Not only did I not want a child at that point—especially not with my new husband—but we also lacked the financial resources to support a pregnancy or raise a child. Although I had a decent job with reliable health insurance, I had not been employed long enough to qualify for family leave. Our budget did not allow for daycare, and we lived far from family who could help, meaning I would likely have to quit my job and cut our income in half. There was no question in my mind that I was making the right choice when I reached out to the abortion clinic.
The procedure itself was straightforward and painless. Afterward, I returned home and continued with my life, feeling no regret or sorrow—only immense relief and gratitude. I recognized how fortunate I was to have access to a reputable abortion provider and health insurance that covered the procedure. For many individuals seeking abortions in the U.S., the experience can be drastically different.
Since the Roe ruling, a staggering 1,142 unique restrictions on abortion care have been enacted at the state level—over 30% of them in just the past eight years. These restrictions vary widely, from mandatory waiting periods to outright bans on abortion after certain points in pregnancy, often without exceptions for victims of rape or incest. Such measures have led to clinic closures and made it increasingly difficult for patients, particularly women of color, to obtain necessary abortion care. Some have even resorted to dangerous DIY methods.
In my home state of Ohio, advocates for abortion rights are tirelessly battling against numerous restrictions. The number of clinics available to women in Ohio has plummeted by about 50% since 2010, leaving vast areas without a single abortion provider. In addition to a 24-hour waiting period, Ohio legislators have passed bans on abortion after 20 weeks, for pregnancies resulting from a Down Syndrome diagnosis, and restrictions on insurance coverage for abortion services. Bills to outlaw the most common and safe abortion procedures after 13 weeks are in the works, alongside ongoing court battles aimed at imposing further limitations on clinics. Each new ban feels like a direct affront to my family and me.
After my abortion, as I anticipated, my marriage ultimately deteriorated, and I managed to leave about a year later. Fortunately, since we did not own property or have children together, I was able to secure a divorce without legal fees. I quickly got my life back on track, landing a fulfilling job, purchasing a home, and eventually remarrying. Just five months ago, my husband and I welcomed our first child. While the transition to motherhood has not been without challenges, it has been a joyful experience, one that unfolded entirely on my own terms. I am deeply in love with my son, and not a day goes by that I do not feel thankful for my decision to have an abortion. I know that if I had been forced to continue that pregnancy, he would not be here today.
I can only imagine the difficult path I would have faced had I been compelled to carry that pregnancy to term. My career would likely have stagnated, I might still be trapped in an unhealthy marriage, and I would be raising a child in an unsafe environment with a partner I could not trust. It would have been devastating for everyone involved. If I lived in a state with stricter abortion laws, like Kentucky or Texas, the simple 15-minute journey to the clinic could have morphed into a lengthy trip requiring an overnight stay, due to the closure of numerous providers. Without supportive health insurance, like that provided by my employer, I might have had to choose between paying rent and covering the cost of the abortion I desperately needed. Thankfully, I did not face those difficult choices, and everyone should have that same level of access.
For 45 years, women like me have relied on the right to choose if, when, and how to become parents. It’s crucial that we continue to safeguard Roe v. Wade for the next 45 years and strive to eliminate state laws that infringe on this fundamental right. For additional insights on this topic, you can check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, my journey has highlighted the importance of having control over reproductive choices, reinforcing the notion that access to safe abortion services is essential for the well-being and autonomy of women everywhere.