I grew up in a small town in California and was the first in my family to go to college. I had just graduated college with a degree in music performance and was preparing for Graduate School. I applied to several graduate programs but my long time dream and goal for many years had been to be accepted into a prestigious religious seminary in New York City where I would train to be a Cantor. I had worked many years to achieve this dream and had just learned that I was accepted into their four year graduate school when I learned that I was pregnant. My boyfriend all through college was the father, but we had decided not to get married until we each finished our education. The news I gave him shook both of our worlds to the core, especially since it was a religious institution that I was entering. After carefully weighing our options, we both agreed that terminating the pregnancy would be the best option. I contacted a local Planned Parenthood office and scheduled my proceedure. I was 24 years old when this happened, now I am 47. When I look back on it, I know that terminating the pregnancy was my ONLY option. If I had not had the choice to do that, my life certainly would have been radically different. I thank G-d that was able to have access to a safe, clean and private place to choose my future. I have gone on to have two beautiful children with my husband of 16 years. I have a very successful music career stemming from my training at the seminary I went on to attend. I would not do anything differently, and someday, I might have to tell my daughter my story. After all, she should have the same right to choose that I did. I hope and pray that she will have that choice.
Lisa, 47
