This story appears in the comments section of a New York Times article titled “Let’s Talk About My Abortion and Yours.”

First, I will never, ever forgive myself for the abortions I had. Even though the situation was terrible and had no good outcome, I can’t forgive myself. I have never forgotten the hate I felt for my own body and how that has colored my feelings about myself ever since. This was 40 years ago, and legal, and still it can feel fresh at times.

Despite my experience, I still strongly believe in a woman’s right to choose. I deeply resent the horrible, misogynist and hateful rhetoric I hear frequently on this topic. I resent the refusal to offer sex ed and easily available birth control to girls and boys. I resent the refusal on both sides of this issue to find common ground.

We must find common ground.

~Rebecca