i got pregnant my freshman year of college. i was the smart, religious kid, and i definitely knew better... or so i thought.

in high school i was in an abusive relationship. it didn't start out that way of course, things were great for a while. but a few months in the mental abuse started, then later it progressed to physical abuse.

thank you for giving me a place to tell this story. 25 years ago, when my oldest daughter was 8 months old, i found out i was pregnant again.

i am 60 years old and have had 4 abortions. each experience was different and for different reasons, which were deeply personal. yes, it was sad and emotional but i'm happy i was able to have them.

i was 21 years old, living in new york city on my own, and dating a guy named nathan how was a few years older than i was. nathan was a very sick alcoholic but i never had any exposure to alcoholism growing up so i honestly believed i could save him and help him get sober.

the woman who held my hand while the procedure was happening was the first person to be nice to me since i'd found out i was pregnant.