One in three women in the United States has had an abortion in their lifetime. These women are our daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers. Abortion is not a tragedy, as many politicians claim, but a necessity in many women’s lives.

I had an abortion, and I don’t care who knows it or what their opinion is, because I know that I made the right decision for me, for my loved ones and for my community.

I chose to have an early abortion in 2000 because I was in an unstable relationship.

EULOGY FOR GEORGE TILLER DELIVERED AT CONGREGATION KOL AMI, WEST HOLLYWOOD, JUNE 3, 2009

Thank you for this opportunity to speak in this meeting of the spirit. Most often we are speaking at political events, when we make a point to not mention the spirit and soul. Now, here at this beautiful Synagogue, Congregation Kol Ami, we can talk of the spirit.

All of my menstrual extractions and abortions went without any medical complications except one. Our experience in performing menstrual extraction always went smoothly because if a woman experienced undue discomfort, she generally stopped the procedure. If she thought she was pregnant, she might endure more discomfort rather than have a medical abortion (legal or illegal).

I have had two abortions. At the age of 17, I was raped and became pregnant.

When I needed it, I was fortunate to be able to have my abortion at a feminist clinic in Los Angeles. My partner was in the room and all the staff were supportive and friendly.