This story is published at Shout Your Abortion.

I am a white cis gender straight woman. I am a mother, daughter, activist, social worker, student, educator, leader, sister, friend, and ally.

I have had four abortions. I recognize and own the unearned privilege that allowed me to make those decisions and to access safe and legal abortions in a timely and supportive way, with no financial burden or barriers.

I have always stood in solidarity with my sisters on pro-choice. But, until recently, I shared a “preferred version” of my abortion story; one that I felt was more palatable, and socially acceptable.

Specifically, that I had had one abortion in my early twenties, within a long-term relationship, while I was pursuing my first degree.

I am now learning to embrace the messy edges of my story and challenge the hetero-patriarchal narrative that there are “acceptable” abortion stories.

In the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we need to push back on this now more than ever. Shame lives in the shadows of silence.

Shouting our stories, however messy we may perceive them to be, is the first step in breaking secrecy, silence and resisting the stigma of abortion. Abortion is normal. Full stop.