Were you born prior to 1973 to an unwed mother or a teen mother?

Question

I was born in 1968, when my mother was 17 and my dad was 20. They were unmarried when I was conceived, but were married by the time I was born.

1) What are your feelings today about abortion?
2) Do you think you would be here if abortion had been legal back then?
3) Do you think you've had a good life?
4) Have you ever asked your parents about their feelings on abortion and why they didn't decide to have an illegal abortion? If so, what did they say? If you haven't asked them, why haven't you?

Thanks in advance for your personal stories.

Answer 1

Let's see--I was about 15 or 16 when you were born, and my parents never married--it was quite a bumble broth, really, since her husband had deserted her and gone back to his own country, and my own father was military and was always presumed lost during the Korean War. So I was actually raised by a stepfather who, I must say, treated me as if I were his own.

In general, I oppose abortion because it's being used as a backup birth control method--and I remember quite well all the arguments for legalizing it harped on the worst-case scenarios, such as the child being a result of rape or incest, or in order to save the mother's life. I will not go so far as to say that abortion is never justified, because there are situations in which it may well be the lesser of two evils. Unfortunately, the lesser of two evils is still evil, and I'm a proponent of birth control rather than just undergoing surgery to solve the problem.

Would I be here had abortion been an option in 1952? I really can't say--my mother was Catholic, but not necessarily a very practicing one. She may have gone that route, or she may not have. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to ask her about it because she died in 1969, at the young age of 43.

My life's been like most people's, a mixed bag of good and bad, but on the whole I'd say it's pretty good. I have two grown sons and two stepchildren, a roof over my head, a good husband, and a lot of good friends. I've had some tough times, but I think they've helped mold me into who I am today, and made me much more appreciative of what I now have than I might be otherwise.

As for your final question, as I mentioned, my mother died during the summer between my junior and senior years of high school, and my father never knew of my existence.

Answer 2

1) Abortion is a touchy subject. I believe abortions should remain legal, BUT should only be done if a young women is raped, forced etc. I dont think a girl who voluntarily opened her legs has the right to a abortion.
2) Yes, I think I'd still be here regardless if abortion was legal around the time I was born. My mother doesnt believe in abortion.
3) Yes, I mean sure it hasn't been a walk in the park, things have gotten bad and everything... but what can you do. Thats life. Most of my days are spent bein happy. :)
4) My mom and I talked about that when I was younger. My moms answer was simple... "I made the choice to open my legs, and when I made that choice, I automatically chose to take responsibility for my actions :)

Answer 3

I was born in 1949 to an unwed mother. She did not marry my biological father. she married 4 years later to the man I've always thought of as a father. I've known the facts and circumstances of my birth since I was nine. I've had what most would consider a charmed life with best of everything(Good education, satisfying career, great women, etc.)so I cannot say that having been born out of wedlock has had any negative effect on my life. My parents always encourage me in all of my interests and I always felt supported. That I think, is best way for parents to assure the future of their children no matter what the circumstances of their children's birth. All that having been said, I feel I would not personally counsel a woman to have an abortion, although I still believe the decision is the woman's'.

Answer 4

i was born in 1970

i'm for it, in most cercumstances
not sure probly not
not bad, could have been better
never asked mom, touchy subject. she has enough going on in her life.