I had just turned 17 and found out I was pregnant when I was forced by my parents to abort my baby.. The year was 1978. I actually had no say and have come to regret the so called "choice" that was made for me. I had no information given to me and had no say. This "procedure" not only ended the precious life of my unborn baby but changed me. I carried much shame and guilt, depression and feelings of low self worth over what happened even though I did not make this choice on my own. I struggled with post abortion syndrome due to having gone through an abortion. I did not realize all these symptoms (guilt, shame, sadness, fear, anger) were tied to what I went through, and later learned that many woman experience these symptoms in varying degrees after under going an abortion. I used drugs to mask my pain from depression. I suffered in silence for so long, and it wasn't until I attended a Bible study for post-abortive woman that I fully began to understand what I had been going through for over 30 yrs was common in many woman who had experienced an abortion. I felt I had been lied to and was not fully informed about what abortion really was. By covering up the lie that abortion doesn't hurt woman, society's beliefs are reinforced that woman are unaffected by the choice. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many woman hide the secret of their abortion and suffer severe consequences. We carry incredible burdens while masking a smile on our face. I regret having had an abortion every day and the realization that I had a hand in murdering my own child by not being informed by the lies perpetuated by Planed Parenthood, and the lack of integrity in the medical community. Abortion had left such a wound in my heart and soul that only Jesus Christ could heal. I know one day I will see my child up in heaven, but now I can be a voice for my child that had none nearly 33 yrs. ago. Abortion does hurt woman as well is the destruction of a life formed in God's image.