This story is published at Women on Web.

I had 3 abortions, and as a medical student I helped perform several abortions and I also saw the results of "illegal" abortions.

In looking back I did feel guilty but so relieved. Also the persistent nausea I experienced with all three pregnancies stopped almost immediately, which was huge.

And now many years later I still feel such relief and I feel such fear about what is happening in the US and other places right now. All women deserve a safe, accessible, inexpensive choice.

The procedure was relatively quick with some physical pain and major emotional pain, even with supportive partner. The nurses were empathetic, but the doctors seemed distant and cold.

In general people responded with support and love — although the reaction of some people was distinctly an issue, especially from the physician who did two of these abortions and said that "three is too many."

I had one daughter and a very busy and fulfilling career and life, and I did not want to have more children. It was in some ways a "selfish" decision but one that I am glad I was able to make and obtain a safe abortion without major financial or health costs.

Editor’s note: The idea of ‘selfishness’ around pregnancy decisions is a stereotype of stigma that comes from a male-dominated world. In truth, these decisions are self-compassionate acts that benefit families, communities and societies.

I felt incredibly lucky. As a college student before becoming a physician, I had worked in a public hospital in Arequipa, Peru, where women were brought when they had unfinished "illegal" abortions.

They were denounced by the healthcare providers because it was illegal and they often were not given any pain medicines.

And they had many horrible, long-term consequences, including infections, infertility, chronic pain and this continues as well, as we will see more of this in the US and beyond.

I try to support groups like Planned Parenthood, the Reproductive Rights Foundation, Women on Waves, Women on Web.

~ Lora Fleming