Because I said “yes” to an abortion, I am now a mom and minister.

If my story unfolded today, I wouldn’t have the same rights to choose my freedom over my trauma.

By Katherine Newell Okojie

I’m a mom, minister, and rape survivor whose choice to get an abortion allowed me the freedom to have the family and career I have today. We must make sure everyone has this God-given right, which is why passing Amendment 79 is crucial to our equity.

I went to high school with my rapist. We met a few years later on election night, and dated for a bit, but his ego and controlling behavior led me to break off our relationship. A few years later, we reconnected, had a few drinks, and I ended up in his bedroom. 

That’s when he violated me. Rough. Angry. Yelling at me. No condom. I couldn’t believe it happened to me. I had become a statistic. 

I went to the police, but they, “couldn’t prove he broke the law.” I tried to get a permanent protection order and was denied that as well. After months of therapy at The Blue Bench, I could finally sleep through the night. I learned how to heal and not let that night destroy me. It was his crime. His burden to bear. 

Six weeks later, I was in my gynecologist’s office, awaiting a procedure that had long been scheduled. I was born with a uterine septum, which about 1% of folks with uteruses have. Extra tissue filled the space in my womb where a baby would hopefully one day grow. I was having surgery to make room for a healthy pregnancy in the future. 

That’s when my doctor asked if there was any chance I could be pregnant. Tears trickled down my face as I confessed the trauma I endured weeks prior– and I actually didn’t know if I was pregnant or not. 

The way through was to give her permission to clean out any tissue found in my uterus. Septum or fetus. It took 2.3 seconds to sign my signature giving her permission to terminate a pregnancy and relief washed over my soul. 

I woke up from surgery with a body that could house a child one day, and in the midst of so much devastation, I had hope. I was choosing life. My life. And the life of my future baby. 

No additional documentation or surgery was needed. No extra money or wait time required. No invasive ultrasound or lecture about morality. My doctor trusted me to make the best decision about my body, and not heap on further trauma during one of the hardest seasons of my life.

An abortion is a holy act. The doctors who perform it are ministers in their own right. Those who bravely choose their liberation deserve freedom and flexibility.

I went on to graduate with two college degrees dedicated to God and in service of humanity. If I had to endure a pregnancy and birth my rapist’s child there is no way I could have achieved either. 

And now, because my choice was respected, I have the family I dreamed of. A husband who loves and fulfills me. Two daughters who bring me immense joy and encourage me to see the divine in their existence every day. 

Because I said “yes” to an abortion, I am now a mom and minister. 

If my story unfolded today, I wouldn’t have the same rights to choose my freedom over my trauma. As I am currently on Medicaid, I would have to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket and come back at a later date for the procedure. 

Amendment 79 gives women the power to choose without the undue burden of funding and fighting for abortion. 

I didn’t realize how lucky I was at the time. Now I do. Let’s make sure we are the last generation to endure unequal autonomy over our bodies. 

If you are a faithful, ethical citizen, I urge you to join me in voting YES on Amendment 79.

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Katherine Newell Okojie is a spiritual leader, systemic change strategist, and transformation facilitator who consults with individuals and organizations to foster equity and ethics. She has a Master's in Divinity from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University and has previously served as a hospital trauma chaplain, legislative chief of staff, and nonprofit executive. Connect with Katherine at www.katherinenewell.com.