I became pregnant when I was 19 in the spring of 1984. I never considered any other option than abortion. I was a college freshman just finishing my final exams and I knew that finishing college wouldn’t happen. Plus I would have had to leave home and raise the child on my own. Without an education and a decent income, this would have been selfish.

And to those who say I should have given the child up for adoption, I say no. Again, pregnancy would have interfered with my studies and according to our constitution it’s still my body, my life and my choice.

I’m lucky in that I live in a city with unrestricted access to abortion. I was even able to schedule the procedure around my exams and continue working as well.

I have never ever regretted that decision. I do regret my carelessness in allowing myself to be so foolish as to get pregnant.

A woman doesn’t dance around singing and happy when she decides to have an abortion. It’s not an easy thing to do. But unfortunately for some it’s a necessity.

When I read about these new restrictions and how young women in places like Texas may have to go out of state for an abortion, I’m appalled and grateful that I was able to do what I did.

Now I want to help any way I can so they don’t have to suffer this way.