Pro-Choice Catholic Testimony

I had a wanted pregnancy. I loved my baby, but at 20 weeks we found out that the brain had not developed as it should. Parts of the brain were missing and had microcephaly. It was likely that the baby already had muscle paralysis. This was a genetic condition that no one anticipated. We were absolutely devastated, but didn’t want our baby to suffer and have a short and painful life. I didn’t want my child to suffer. I had an abortion. It was the worst week of my life, but I don’t regret my choice. I am thankful I had loving providers and many people who supported me. I didn’t feel that I had the support of the church. In fact, I stopped going to Mass. I remember the priest saying they were going to protest outside a Planned Parenthood. This was so upsetting and incredibly disappointing. I was using my Catholic teachings of compassion and humanity, but I felt no support from my faith. I haven’t gone back to Mass since.