When I was 22 I found myself in a relationship with a man who was physically, sexually, and emotionally abusive. I became pregnant about 4 months into that relationship. I made the difficult decision to terminate that pregnancy. I had to go to a clinic and walk through a crowd of angry protesters who screamed at me. Ending that pregnancy was the most emotionally and physically painful thing I have ever experienced in my life. However, I am grateful every day that I was able to make that choice rather than bring a child into an abusive situation. Every child deserves a loving home, and I wasn't able to provide that. It took me 2 more years to be able to leave that abusive relationship and move on with my life. I truly believe that if I had had a child with that man, that I would have stayed longer or even married him - which I also believe would have led to my eventual death from the escalating abuse.
I want to thank everyone at NARAL Pro-Choice America for working dilligently to keep abortion and reproductive services legal, safe, and accessible to all women who need them. In a way, you probably helped save my life, and for that I am grateful.
Beth
