"When I hear about people speaking of late term or ‘partial birth’ abortions, it is beyond distressing. This was the most painful decision I have ever made, yet I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to make it. I am sharing this story so that other women who are faced with health-threatening situations do not have to feel shame for choosing their health and life."
"I am at peace with my decision to have had multiple abortions and to let that be a catalyst to live the life I’ve always wanted. I am strong. I am confident. I am everything I’ve ever wanted to be and have always been even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
“The ease with which I was able to choose and access abortion care is a reflection of my privilege. When I had my abortion in 2006, I was a middle-class teenager living in a state where abortion care was granted additional protection by the state constitution, and I had the unconditional emotional and financial support of my family. I was empowered to make my own decisions and was never told ‘no’ or ‘wait.’ Choice shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be the standard experience for every pregnancy.
" After getting my abortion, I ended up doing a standup comedy set about it the very next day. And that snowballed into producing a comedy show where comics tell their abortion stories. I was very lucky — I live in NYC where abortion is accessible. As a South Asian woman, though, I still struggle with it. I’m sharing my story because I directly know the difference that sharing a story can make.”
“Many people feel like there’s an expectation for those who’ve made the decision to terminate a pregnancy to be strong at all times. Totally put together–this is what we wanted isn’t it? But it’s common and completely normal to have lots of intense feelings that need to be worked through and it’s important that those needs are supported.”
As We Testify abortion storytellers and tireless advocates for ensuring abortion access for those most likely to face barriers, Renee and Daniela are also friends who have found support and friendship among fellow storytellers.De’Jonnae Boyd, a Washington, D.C. resident, has worked in the reproductive justice field as an advocate and activist for a number of years. In her spare time, she loves to hit the streets of D.C and Baltimore (her hometown) with her Canon to capture the intimacy of blackness and womanhood.