At the time one of the rare friends that knew of what was going on at the time told me to really think, because this would be something I may regret in the future. I remember actually thinking to myself, “No, I’ll be fine, I won’t regret it.”
I do regret it. That one act in fact became my biggest regret, and my darkest secret.
Read the rest here.
by 
I had a sad experience within the last few weeks. A colleague of mine, who I consider a friend, confided that she had an abortion several years ago. Prior to this, I often heard her voice her opinion, which went something like “it’s a woman’s right to choose,” but I never responded or challenged her. Anyway, we had some time together and, for whatever reason, she once again voiced that opinion. I responded by saying that any woman who felt compelled to make that terrible choice had been let down by society. To my surprise, she began to cry — and, then she divulged that she had had an abortion some years earlier. The reality of her confession was at odds with the bravado with which she previously espoused the pro-choice ideology. I am still trying to come to terms with this very personal and disturbing revelation.
Brigid, I would like to applaud your sensitivity that clearly allowed this woman to open up to you. Saying “any woman who felt compelled to make that terrible choice had been let down by society” is a far cry from saying “I’m pro-life” or “abortion is wrong” or any number of other things I say all the time, that people may find to be hurtful and judgemental without my realizing it. So hats off to you–I’m going to remember this next time I have the opportunity to voice my opinions on this topic. I’m sure you were made privvy to this personal information for a reason… so as you come to terms with it I hope you can help this woman out.
Thank you for the support — I am just beginning to share my opinions on abortion in a public sphere, and am trying to cultivate existential language that (hopefully) will encourage others to reflect upon their own perceptions on abortion. Specifically, I did mention to my colleague that there are resources available to women suffering post-abortion; however, it is up to her to take the next step…