Dec 4, 2023Liked by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Marissa G., Open Secrets
I'm glad you shared your story, Marissa. I know things have shifted, but I still find it so important.
After a shaming from my father who went through my things I left in family storage from my teenage years that he found and returned (after going through) 8-or-so years after I moved out, I reacted poorly and threw away all the journals he read. I couldn't open them without seeing his face and hearing his words: "I hope you're better now. You were a messed up kid."
I wish I'd kept them now. Time absolutely warps our perception of what happened to us—even those big moments like abortions and traumas are reshaped. Some things are too distinct to forget, I've found, though. But, that may depend on one's individual wiring, etc., too.
Still, it sounds like you got to make your decision with a clear head and vision for your future. That, alone, is something to feel proud and confident in. My story isn't the same, but I still don't regret my abortion 17 years ago. I have three kids now, and although by the third we realized I was immune to birth control, I don't regret them either.
I could go on, but maybe I should just write my own damn story, huh? 😅
Dec 4, 2023Liked by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Marissa G., Open Secrets
A group of women in a senior community in California decided to push back on Dobbs by writing a play about their pre-Roe abortions. Here's the trailer for the upcoming documentary, "Voices." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyEWAArAy5M
Dec 6, 2023Liked by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Marissa G., Open Secrets
How I wish I had had the opportunity in 1966. An illegal abortion from a disgraced, cigar smoking doc in Philadelphia would have cost $500. I had half. Had the kid, only 20, dashed my dreams and plans for education and life, casting me into motherhood well before ready. But we women somehow survive. Then, the pill was only available for married women! Today mother of 3, grandchildren etc. But being denied the CHOICE is the sin. In women’s liberation back in the day we fought and fought for the right to determine our own lives. What is happening now in the USA is simply said a giant leap backwards. Keep the government out of our bodies!
Dec 5, 2023Liked by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Marissa G., Open Secrets
Thank you for sharing .. I has an abortion as a young married woman before I had any children and I have never regretted it .. I still had so much growing up to do and financially it would have been a disaster at that time .. I finally said it out loud at an abortion rally in 2022...
Dec 4, 2023Liked by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Marissa G., Open Secrets
thank you for sharing your story. iam so grateful for my two abortions! my first one was in the early nineties, around the time you were born. i love telling people who are about your age, affectionately, that "you're the same age as my abortion!" 💗 i figure the more i speak about it, the easier it gets for others.
"Every few years he texts me on my birthday. I imagine that's the type of father he would've been too" is subtle, but packs a lasting punch! Absolutely adore your writing style here- thank you for sharing your story and for tackling it from past, present, and future angles from both personal and societal standpoints. I feel seen and heard from reading this, and I hope that you know you are as well!
I'm glad you shared your story, Marissa. I know things have shifted, but I still find it so important.
After a shaming from my father who went through my things I left in family storage from my teenage years that he found and returned (after going through) 8-or-so years after I moved out, I reacted poorly and threw away all the journals he read. I couldn't open them without seeing his face and hearing his words: "I hope you're better now. You were a messed up kid."
I wish I'd kept them now. Time absolutely warps our perception of what happened to us—even those big moments like abortions and traumas are reshaped. Some things are too distinct to forget, I've found, though. But, that may depend on one's individual wiring, etc., too.
Still, it sounds like you got to make your decision with a clear head and vision for your future. That, alone, is something to feel proud and confident in. My story isn't the same, but I still don't regret my abortion 17 years ago. I have three kids now, and although by the third we realized I was immune to birth control, I don't regret them either.
I could go on, but maybe I should just write my own damn story, huh? 😅
Thanks, again, for sharing, Marissa.
Yes you should have kept them .. but no point in regret.. writing your story now as creative non fiction would be a wonderful and valuable exercise...
A group of women in a senior community in California decided to push back on Dobbs by writing a play about their pre-Roe abortions. Here's the trailer for the upcoming documentary, "Voices." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyEWAArAy5M
I hope this will be widely available and well-promoted.
How I wish I had had the opportunity in 1966. An illegal abortion from a disgraced, cigar smoking doc in Philadelphia would have cost $500. I had half. Had the kid, only 20, dashed my dreams and plans for education and life, casting me into motherhood well before ready. But we women somehow survive. Then, the pill was only available for married women! Today mother of 3, grandchildren etc. But being denied the CHOICE is the sin. In women’s liberation back in the day we fought and fought for the right to determine our own lives. What is happening now in the USA is simply said a giant leap backwards. Keep the government out of our bodies!
Thank you for sharing .. I has an abortion as a young married woman before I had any children and I have never regretted it .. I still had so much growing up to do and financially it would have been a disaster at that time .. I finally said it out loud at an abortion rally in 2022...
thank you for sharing your story. iam so grateful for my two abortions! my first one was in the early nineties, around the time you were born. i love telling people who are about your age, affectionately, that "you're the same age as my abortion!" 💗 i figure the more i speak about it, the easier it gets for others.
Thank you for sharing your story ♥️
"Every few years he texts me on my birthday. I imagine that's the type of father he would've been too" is subtle, but packs a lasting punch! Absolutely adore your writing style here- thank you for sharing your story and for tackling it from past, present, and future angles from both personal and societal standpoints. I feel seen and heard from reading this, and I hope that you know you are as well!
I love your story. It is raw poignant and emotional.
I love your story. It is raw poignant and emotional.