The View From Your Shoulders

My mother was born in 1952. When she conceived the ball of cells that became me, she had no choice but to keep them. She was nineteen years old, and choice was a crime. The Roe v. Wade decision, which recognized my mother’s right to terminate her pregnancy, was not handed down by the Supreme Court until after I was out in the world and walking. I think my mother wanted me--I’ve never asked her--but I would give up my life if it meant that she could go back and choose. She had a right to life before I did.