To the editor:

As I write this letter to the editor, I optimistically and eagerly await the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade. Of course not everyone agrees, and we may never agree, but I want to share why I feel this way.

When abortion became legal, I was 16 and pregnant. I was under the impression by those in my circle that abortion was some wonderful innovative procedure that magically made you unpregnant and life would go on as before.

Sadly, this was all a lie. My life would never be the same and I faced many challenges after that choice. After my abortion, I became drug/alcohol dependent. I experienced extremely low self-esteem, depression/anxiety, had suicidal thoughts, loss of bonding with those I should have loved, involved in abusive relationship patterns that continued for many years. It wasn’t until I connected all my symptoms to my abortion that I sought healing, it took over 20 years.

I truly wished that someone would have been there to tell me the truth about child development, what an abortion is/does, to offer to be there with me, to walk with me during this extremely difficult time in my life. I felt that I had no alternative choice but to terminate my pregnancy when in reality there were options but not known to me.

I want any woman or man reading my letter to know that there is help available. You can and deserve to choose life for your baby and that no matter the circumstances, no matter how dark it seems, help is available for you! There is also help and healing after abortion. Because of the healing I have received I invite you to visit www.cvrtlny.com for info on pregnancy resources and after-abortion healing. You have the right to know.

Nancy Belzile

Willsboro