I never talk about politics or my position on certain issues because all it seems to do is cause tension and verbal warfare to break out. Sometimes it's because I don't know enough about the subject to voice and defend my stance. But on one matter I cannot stay silent anymore. I am pro-choice. While personally I don't think I could ever go through with having an abortion, it is not my place to tell someone else that they can't. I have thought this way since high school but being in college has just strengthened my reasoning.

In college I have met many people with different views on this topic and having discussions with them has broadened my knowledge on the subject. However, my opinions haven't changed. I don't think anyone could truly understand what goes on in a women's head while they make their decision. It could be the hardest thing they ever do or the easiest decision they ever made. While I can't claim to understand I can empathize.

I can empathize because I watched someone go through this decision process. She was always questioning whether or not she was doing the right thing. She was nervous and scared. As any women would be at 18, trying to balance college and being pregnant. When she made her decision basically every professional she talked to tried to talk her out of it and convince her that there were other options. As her friend it wasn't and isn't my place to judge her decision but stand by her and be there if and when she needs me.

The drive to her abortion was long and we tried to keep the mood light. We tried not to talk about it. Once there we sat in the room while a doctor told us the side effects of the pills. I got nauseous and had to leave the room. In the bathroom as I splashed cold water on my face, I thought about everything that was about to happen. I realized that I would never be able to have an abortion myself, but I knew that this was the right choice for her. I still don't know how she had the strength to go through with it.

For many people choosing to have an abortion isn't a decision that is made lightly. There are many hours lost to debating it, to crying, and freaking out. I have no right to try and make that decision for them. I don't know if they are pregnant by rape, or if there are life-threatening health concerns by carrying the baby to term. I don't know what struggles they have had to overcome. Because what is right for me, may not be right for them. I don't know them, so why should I be able to make such an important choice for them?