My boyfriend and I were 19 years old. His mother said he was too young and not ready to marry. I didn't want to lose him.  She said I should have an abortion (even though she didn't believe in them). He left two months later. Planned Parenthood didn't tell me it was a baby. "It's a mass of tissue", they said.

It was traumatic. It left me feeling doubtful, emotionally empty, introduced me to feelings of denial. It was physically painful. It left me with a sad feeling, a sad ending. The doctor crudely told me to quiet down. The people (except the woman who held my hand) were cold and unfeeling.

My abortion left me in a long state of denial. I would always advise others against doing it. I count the years of my unborn child. I would always avoid the subject.

I went to a Crisis Pregnancy Center to volunteer. I went through their post-abortion Bible study and now do volunteer work for them and support pro-life movements. All these help me not to cry anymore at the thought of the subject.

The children I do have are more precious to me. One of the purposes of my life is to stay active in helping other women to not have an abortion - to not put their baby and themselves through that. It has helped me learn the true meaning of selfishness.