The Ultimate Act of Protection: Why Abortion is Mothering

Sometimes, the most mothering thing you can do is have an abortion.

I had a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) at 16 weeks when I found out the boy growing in my belly had a chromosomal abnormality along with severe structural anomalies. In that moment, I made a decision: I would take on his pain so he would never have to.

That is mothering: ensuring your offspring will never have to suffer.

As I move through the reproductive space, I listen to the stories of people making these impossible decisions. Regardless of the "why," I consistently hear the same values that define good mothering:

• Selflessness
• Compassion
• Brutal Honesty
• Sacrifice
• Resilience
• Integrity

Most people don’t have abortions for medical reasons; they have them because of life circumstances. Some are navigating abusive relationships. Some do not have the resources to provide a stable life. Some are simply not ready to be the parent that a child deserves.

But all of them have deeply considered what would happen if a child were born. They have looked into a future of hardship and said, "I cannot give you what you deserve."

There is a profound selflessness, a fierce mothering, and a radical kindness in truly, deeply considering the well-being of another potential life before your own.