I'm telling you my story today, because we're in a crisis. Every single person who believes in the right to make decisions about our own bodies needs to pay attention to what's happening now, and take action. With each abortion restriction and ban that passes — like the recent six-week ban in Texas — the lump in my throat grows bigger. I remember what it was like not to have the freedom to control my own body.
I'm here to tell you, and anyone else who will listen, that we cannot go backwards — not on our watch.
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When I was 17 in 1962, New York had not yet recognized the right to abortion. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I didn't want to be. But securing an abortion before Roe was extremely difficult, and at times dangerous.
My parents supported my decision and did everything they could to get me the care I needed. Even so, finding a safe, compassionate doctor to provide that care proved almost impossible.
My parents knew an illegal abortion could be expensive, so once they found a doctor, they had me go by myself in hopes that he would take mercy on me and charge me less. Imagine being 17 and heading to an unknown place for an illegal procedure — all alone.
The doctor did not take mercy on me. Instead, he took advantage of the situation and the vulnerable position I was in. I got up and walked out, knowing I would have risked my safety and well-being if I allowed this doctor to go further.
I recognize the privilege I had to be able to walk out, and I often think about the many people who did not have that same ability, because there were simply no other options. It makes me furious, and I will do anything to ensure we don't put pregnant people in harm's way again. Please take action with me by signing this petition to defend safe, legal abortion.
With the help of my parents, I found another doctor who performed my abortion in the dark of night. As I laid there, he lectured me, called me a sinner, and threatened that if I made any noise he would stop the procedure and let everyone "know of my shame." I'll never forget those words. But here's the thing — I am not ashamed.
I'm not. And no one should have to go through what I went through to access basic health care. As scary as my experience was, I know that I'm one of the lucky ones because I survived.
You've probably heard that the Supreme Court is taking up a major abortion case on Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban. This is a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade that puts 25 million women at risk of losing abortion access. I hope my story awakens you to what's really at stake if Roe is weakened or rendered meaningless. I hope my experience, which is shared by so many people, motivates you to take action.
Planned Parenthood is collecting signatures to say that we represent a powerful majority and we will never back down when it comes to protecting our right to access abrtion. Will you sign your name today? I have no regrets about my decision that allowed me to have the future I wanted. Everyone should have that freedom and more.
We're only going forward from here — not back.
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Yours truly,
Wendy R., Massachusetts
Longtime supporter of Planned Parenthood Action Fund
