I'm not going to lie: Attending the State of the Union last night was a little overwhelming. So many people, so many cameras, such a high-profile moment — it was a lot to take in from my spot way up in the balcony. But in all the commotion, there were three things that hit me deep.

ONE: President Biden called out attacks on abortion rights and other critical sexual and reproductive health care. It meant a lot to see my experience, and others like me, lifted by the president of the United States.

TWO: I gained strength from seeing dozens of providers, abortion advocates and leaders along with other patients — including Kate Cox — who faced similar challenges, in attendance. It always helps to know you're not alone.

THREE: I knew there were millions of people like you out there watching, and I felt that love and support. I was moved because I know first hand what it feels like to live in an America without the right to abortion — what it does to patients and the toll it takes. And why we have to fight back.

I live in Louisiana with my partner and our three kids. Not too long ago, we decided we wanted to grow our family. Just weeks into my pregnancy, my baby was diagnosed with acrania, an almost certainly terminal diagnosis.

It was the hardest news I have ever had to hear — and it didn't end there. Although our doctor recommended abortion to prevent extensive physical and emotional trauma, the total abortion ban in Louisiana meant we weren't able to get care in our home state.

Anti-abortion lawmakers in my state had left me with just two options: travel thousands of miles to get the care I needed or carry my pregnancy for months just to then bury my baby.

I was forced to travel more than 1,000 miles to a Planned Parenthood health center in New York to receive the abortion I needed. While I am incredibly grateful to Planned Parenthood for the care and support they provided, I shouldn't have had to leave home to receive essential health care.

No one should have to go through what I went through. I was fortunate to be able to travel for abortion care, but that's not the case for everyone. And everyone should be able to choose how, when, and if they start or grow their family.

That's why I fight for abortion access in Louisiana and across the country. That's why Planned Parenthood is fighting everywhere to protect patients and their rights. That's why last night's State of the Union was such an important moment.

If you want to learn more about the foundation I founded to help people get abortion care, check out the Nancy Davis Foundation website. The Nancy Davis Foundation has been at the forefront of initiatives addressing reproductive justice, advocating for the rights of individuals, and striving to bridge gaps in health care access.

And if you want to share your own abortion or health care story, I strongly encourage you to. Together, we can help destigmatize abortion and ensure everyone can get the care they need and deserve.

Thank you.

Nancy D., Planned Parenthood health center patient