16 & Loved

by Katherine
Sometimes our pain comes off as regret, when really we don’t regret the choice we made, we regret the fact that we had to make it at all. I am sad for what I went through and the memories stab at me often, but when I confuse my sorrow for regret is when I’m truly doing myself a disservice.

by Kay
I am so proud of you girls!! I am 22 and I too had an abortion seven months ago and it was a hard decision to come to. At first I was just going to go and get it done without my parents knowing but my sister convinced me that even if I didn’t tell my parents right away and they found out down the road they would be so hurt so I did. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to and I was SO relieved after I told them. It is sooo important to talk to someone and not keep it to yourself, trust me!! Everyone has their own views on abortion and its up to you to decide what is best for YOU. I knew what was best for me even when I got to the clinic where two people were outside protesting telling us girls what we were doing was wrong. The staff at the clinic were non-judgemental and made me feel so relaxed and cared for. It is not wrong or shameful!! Unfortunately we still live in a world where it is looked down upon but hopefully shows like this will help to open up society’s mind and get more people to talk about it. I love the courage and bravery every woman has shown sharing her story. I send lots of love to these girls and wish everyone happy healthy lives!!

by Amy
Your choice is supported and you are loved. I haven’t found a way to be more eloquent.

by Angela
I’ll just start off by saying I don’t believe in abortion at all. However, I’m not here to debate an issue. To be real, this place is not about being pro-choice or being pro-life, its about support women when they need it most! I’m here to say, that just because of what you did, you are not “doomed to hell” or anything close. You are still LOVED! Don’t listen to the lies. You are still a beautiful woman and this does not change that. The people who say direct comments just to demean you are misguided people with, honestly, too many issues. Not every person who is pro-life is that immature. But please, if you have done it, and have negative feelings, PLEASE don’t keep it to yourself. This is not a struggle you have to go through on your own. I have seen one too many friends end up destroying her life because she tried keeping her feelings secret. You don’t deserve that! Just talk to someone, love yourself enough for that. Even someone who doesn’t know you, cares enough.

by Nikki
Thank you so much for sharing your unbelievable stories of Bravery. You girls truly show how much courage it takes to make the decision of abortion and that it truly is never an “easy way out.” I loved that the 3rd option for women faced in a difficult situation was finally discussed, and I praise all of you for it. Abortion is NEVER EVER something to be ashamed of nor should it ever be looked down upon. I know if I was put into your situation, it would be so difficult to recognize abortion is the right choice, you girls are amazingly brave and truly are loved.

by Ruth
I had an abortion at age 15. The sperm donor had absconded and I knew that I was not in any way ready to be a parent, especially not a single parent. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Women should create children when they are ready, willing, and capable of parenting and providing for them. It is no woman’s obligation to create children. Kudos to you for speaking up. I’ve been open about my abortion for several years now and it is truly empowering.

by *DRE*
i would really like to say a few things here, i would like to say i was glad to finally see this topic come up on mtv. i am a big fan of 16 and pregnant and teen mom but i have been waiting for them to talk about this. a lot of young girls and women have to make this decision every day!!! i think its terrible that it is so looked down upon. no one wants to go through this but it happens and not everyone can choose adoption or to keep the pregnancy. the choice of abortion is something that women should not be ashamed of. The three women on the show are incredibly strong especially the one who let the cameras follow her throughout her entire decision. as a woman i couldn’t be more proud. i am sure that she will, unfortunately, get some negative feed back but i beg of her not to listen to it not to let it get to her and not to second guess herself. i admire her and that she thought about the child she already has and putting her child first was so wonderful to see. i could just go on and on about how much i admire her and how wonderful i think she is. so on that note thank you again for putting yourselves out there for other young women to look at and up to and thank you for using your experience to educate people. it is important that we can all choose for ourselves what we want to do with our bodies and not let anyone get in the way of what decisions we make!!!!! thank you for opening a forum for this topic and thank you again to the girls for sharing your stories you are such strong incredible women!!!

by Alicia
Ladies, Thank you for your bravery in being able to open up and share such an intimate experience with us all! You, truly do make a difference. Because of you, many women will now have the strength and courage to share their story, without fear of judgment and shame. In a country where 1 in 3 women will have an abortion, it is about time we take the stigma away and show support for all! I thank you for your time and you all are loved- All my best, Alicia

by Steph
I’m amazed that a show like this can feel so groundbreaking, since it’s discussing something that happens every day. And yet it did. The most powerful moment was when Markai, Natalia and Katie all joined hands. Instead of three individual stories, they became one story. Of women who are struggling to live responsible lives and to be real about their choices. I’m impressed by each of you, and even more in awe when you all stand together, telling your stories with honesty and compassion, saying “we’re here.”

by Caitlin
So often, abortion is talked about in very abstract terms, with ethical discussions and issues of morality superseding the lived experiences of women who make this choice. I commend these three women for breaking the silence and describing what it means for them to have made this choice. Such openness brings the discussion about this issue back to reality.