Reply #28: Thanks for sharing your story Matt! That was a tough situation for both

[Pachamama]

of you and it sounds like you both made the right decision for you. Thankfully you live in a country that up until now has allowed your generation and mine to have that choice.

I've thankfully never faced what you and she faced, but I know so so many people who have. I was an RA in College and I wouldn't be exaggerating if I told you that I had helped counsel some kids facing the same type of situation. I also have many girlfriends who faced unwanted pregnancies at a point in their teens-mid 20's and weren't ready to face the responsibility of parenthood. Not one of them regrets that decision and every single one of them are now parents and married and good parents.

I appreciated hearing the man's point of view who went through this situation. And I'm sure there are men that have different views. But the bottom line is this: we are all faced at times in our life with difficult decsions and we need to be able to make those choices and have those choices be available for us to make. In my opinion, when any government or religious entity starts to try and dictate what is ethical, what you are allowed to do in the most personal of decisions, particulary as they relate to a woman's body and health, then its a dangerous slippery slope.

I grew up having this choice available to me and my friends. We are grateful for that, including those of us never having had to make that choice. I want my daughters as they grow up to have those same choices. I will do my best to teach them responsible knowledge of sexual activities and unwanted pregnancy and disease prevention and hope they make the right choices. And if they have to face the decision someday of an abortion, I hope they have the choice still and that they would have someone like you by their side.

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