I was a 17-year-old honor student/good girl when I found out I was pregnant. I was on my way to college (the first in my family for several generations). I had been raised by a single mom that had me at age 18, so I knew what that life looked like up-close and personal.

My boyfriend and I had been dating for over a year and had just become sexually active. We planned, and talked about the choice to have sex in the first place. Birth control was used and failed. He was also the first in his family to be heading to college. With our futures ahead of us, I knew the only decision to make was to terminate the pregnancy. What kind of life could we offer a child? My boyfriend wasn’t thrilled with the decision – he thought love could conquer all, and that we’d make it work.

My mom was shocked at first, but ended up handling the situation like a true hero! She made the appointment, drove me, paid for the procedure, and took care of me once we got home. The doctor that performed the abortion was soft-spoken and non-judgmental. The nurses that were there encouraged me to take the Valium. My only real recollection of the procedure is dozing off, and waking up completely relieved! I had no more cramping and bleeding than a regular menstrual cycle.

That boyfriend is now my husband of 14 years. He came to realize how that child would have impacted our futures. He has even recently thanked me for the decision made 19 years ago. We both love the life and family we have now, and know that it wouldn’t have been possible without our educations. We vote pro-choice and we are raising our kids to question those people around them that only see in black and white. Different choices work for different people at different times in their lives. I cannot imagine a world where a woman’s right to choose is not honored.

I for one am NOT sorry.