Event Details

Whether your decision was made a month ago or 25 years ago, life continued. Yet the emotions that linger from that decision can be heavy and complex, wrapped in guilt, shame, grief, or regret, as you move forward with life.

There are cultural and societal stigmas, along with political noise, surrounding the topic of abortion. Some women are open and courageously sharing their stories and fighting for the right to choose this option. Others are quietly hurting on the inside because they did make the decision, and while there was aftercare for their bodies, there was no aftercare for their hearts and minds. This is what brings me here.

I am a woman who has walked this path twice—once through a decision that was not mine to make, and once through a decision I made knowing it was the best choice at that time. Both experiences left imprints on me.

What brings me to you now is not only my own story, but the story of a young woman I coached. She shared the pain she still carries from her decision and the lack of support available to talk about life after this choice. After that session, her story stayed with me. I told myself I was creating a space for women. But truthfully, I became wrapped up in other things, and the intention slipped away until my fertility journey began.

In that doctor’s office, when I was asked, “Have you been pregnant before?” something unexpectedly surfaced—SHAME. SHAME had me in a choked hold, and I could not breathe. I thought I had healed and made peace with it. Until I had to say it out loud in front of my husband, who knew nothing about what happened years before meeting him. I had experienced all types of feelings about it before but never SHAME. There is more to this story, but that feeling is what brought me back to this commitment.

While I served as a certified life and relationship coach, in this virtual gathering I will simply be a woman among women, serving as a facilitator and a space holder. I will begin by sharing my own journey—not to lead or make it about me, but to open the door for you to feel safe sharing yours if you feel called to.

I hope that my story gives you the courage to share yours, even if your sharing happens quietly between you, your pen, and your paper.

This conversation is not intended to heal the wound or offer therapeutic service, but to offer you a soft and safe space to be in community with other women who have walked this path.

There will be room to listen, speak, journal, and/or just be. Please share this event with the women in your community who may need it.

With Love, TaFwani Michelle