18 years…
It’s been 18 years (nearly to the day) since I walked into
that clinic. Not many days go by that I don’t think about what I did… that I
don’t think about what she would have looked like. Would she have my hair, my
dimples, my freckles. She has a name. Cynthia. And I ended her life.
Why?
Because it wasn't convenient for me at the time. It was
going to ruin the rest of my life ahead of me. Because the father and I weren't even together. He left me for another girl. What would I do with a baby, in
college? I mean I had a full scholarship. I couldn't lose that. I had too much
ahead of me in life to have this baby interfere with that. I wouldn't be able
to provide for this baby. I wasn't going to put the responsibility on my
parents either. I mean they were pastors for goodness sake. What would the
church think of them. Of me? I was a pastor’s kid. The shame would be
unbearable. Abortion was the only option. That’s what I told myself.
$250 dollars. That’s all it took. No questions asked. No counseling
provided. No one to tell me what effects this would have on my physical body.
No one told me that I would be at higher risk of breast cancer, infertility,
depression or suicide. And I have certainly suffered from the last two. And
there was absolutely no counseling offered to me of what affects mentally and
emotionally it would have on me. Just a piece of paper given to me to explain
what the procedure would do. And a piece of paper of after-care procedures to
take home with me. And it was done. I can still recall the cold room and table.
And the sound. I will never forget the sound. I will never forget her.
I was 18 years old then. I lost my college scholarship, fell into promiscuity, I walked away from God for many years, I suffered with the depression, occasional thoughts of suicide and physical female issues to which I attribute to my abortion. 18 years have passed …. And EVERYDAY
I regret my decision. She had a voice and I silenced it. I didn't give her the
opportunity to live. I've had years of torment inside of me. I've been through
counseling, classes and MUCH prayer. I know I’m forgiven. Some days are still
harder than others. I am redeemed. He has set me free. And I am here today only
by and through His grace!
So why today? Why am I choosing to share my story with you today?
Because on
tomorrow, Nov. 4th, you have an opportunity to have your voice heard.
Amendment 1 will provide our state a chance to be neutral on the issue of
abortion. It doesn't take away a woman’s right. This amendment will actually allow women to BE INFORMED. Right now, in the state of TN, abortion clinics are
not required to be licensed. They are not inspected and have no regulations
placed on them. But you better believe that if you go to a tattoo parlor, a
nail salon or even a Vet clinic they are regulated by the state and are full
inspected. Why would we as a state WANT our women to go into a clinic that is
not required to be inspected and regulated? How is that FOR the women of TN?
How is that safe for the women of TN?
Please do your own research voters. Be informed! Don’t be deceived
by the No on 1 ads. This won’t overturn the right for women to have an abortion,
but it will require them to be fully informed. It will give the voters of TN
the right to decide what they want. I’m pleading with you, VOTE YES ON 1!
Some other great articles/blogs to read:
- http://sheilaharperblog.com/
- http://bound4life.com/blog/2014/10/31/stop-hiding-the-truth-brent-boles-amendment-1-tn/
- http://www.yeson1tn.org/
#Yeson1
