I Was Shamed Into Lying About My Abortion

Photo by Volkan Olmez on Unsplash

But I’m ready to tell the truth in hopes it can help others do the same.

Stories are the glue that holds us all together. To hide your story is to be dishonest about the human experience. This dishonesty prevents not just you, but everyone around you from learning and growing. How can we expect to understand one another, to sympathize, and to expand our perceptions if we shrink our voices in shame or fear?

I consider myself a storyteller. I’ve stood on stages sharing my stories, and starting last year, I began publishing my stories for the entire world to see. But, there are stories that I’ve kept hidden away. I can’t continue to call myself a proponent of change, a cheerleader of the open mind, and an activist for progress if I keep my voice silent. Until today, my abortion story has been my miscarriage story. Out of shame and fear, I have lied about the results of my pregnancy in 2010. But I’ve realized how hypocritical my lie has been. Here’s the truth.

The circumstances surrounding my pregnancy were far from ideal.

My pregnancy wasn’t wanted, expected, or healthy. Every aspect of my life, including my romantic relationship, finances, job, housing, and mental health, was at its lowest point. The theatre company I worked for lost its funding in the…