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Part Of My Story


I went to the Texas State Capitol to attend a committee hearing in the Texas Senate and register my opposition to SB537, a bill designed to severely reduce the number of abortion facilities in our state. I had never done this before. NARAL Texas, the organizers of our group, had bright orange t-shirts for us to wear that proclaimed "My family values women." I picked a shirt and put it on. There were also signs to pin on. The signs said, "I had an abortion" or "Someone I love had an abortion".

I hesitated. Should I pick up the "I had an abortion" sign or the "Someone I love had an abortion"? They were both true. Still, I had only told 7 people in my life that I had had an abortion and that includes my doctor. I took a deep breath and reached for the “I had an abortion” sign.

A flood of emotions rushed through me in that instant – shame, fear, courage, pride, commitment. And worried questions flew through my mind--can you take this chance to stand up and do what's right? what will people think? will I judged? will I lose friends? will I be rejected? will it be commented on and what do I say? how do I feel about this? is it time?

I took a deep breath and chose an "I had an abortion" sign. I pinned it on my shirt and proudly walked into the senate chamber. I came out of the closet to claim my humanity, claim my rights and claim my truth.

Later, when I saw the picture of me with my sign posted on Facebook where all my friends and family and acquaintances could see it, I was taken aback, for just a second. I am a very private person and don't tell people my business, and this was a most intimate of detail about myself. Almost immediately, I was grateful. I know that every decision I have made in my life makes me who I am.

I am glad I went to the hearing and glad I wore the sign because I have the right to choose my life. And, on a personal level, because I want to claim all the choices I have made in my life.

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