‘We are not broken,’ say women who shared their abortion stories

Last week, Jessica Villatoro joined a group of mujeres during an intimate evening to talk about reproductive justice and abortion. While this is a taboo topic in many cultures and religions, the women sharing their personal experiences at the “Healing our Hearts” event said it was powerful, healing and almost therapeutic. 

Villatoro, 32, remembered when she was about 18 years old and found out she was pregnant. She didn’t feel comfortable sharing it with her family for support because she was scared and ashamed. She made the decision on her own to terminate the pregnancy.

“I just had the support of my best friend during that period,” she said. “But now I’m able to share my story so other women are freed of this shame and guilt because there are many reasons why one should or can have an abortion.”

Reasons like the one shared by Natalie, 37, whom despite wanting to be a mother, her physical health doesn’t allow her. 

“I have a tumor and I have to get injections and take other medications,” she said. “I also have mobility issues so I have to be conscious that I may not be able to carry on.”

Natalie said she’s currently on medical, receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and she has applied for disability. In November 2024 she found out she was pregnant but she also found she has large cysts.

“It was difficult, and painfully, I can’t say it wasn’t” to have an abortion, she remembered. However, she said she is very grateful to have the support of her family, made up of just women. 

“They didn’t impose their own opinions on anything. If anything they just said, ‘whatever you decide we will support you,’” she said.

Natalie said having an abortion is not an easy decision and she has been allowed to let her feelings out. She is in therapy and has a network of support, because for her being pregnant is a dream she always wanted but she can’t have. 

Creating community for all

The event was hosted for California Latinas for Reproductive Justice (CLRJ) centering the effort in the community. While the topic was very impactful, the attendees also had the opportunity to share a good time with others. Villatoro was one of the vendors promoting her business, Jess Period, a line of reusable menstrual pads.

“We are not broken people. There is nothing we need to fix,” said Dr. G. Johnson, one of the attendees who celebrated the evening with other women. 

The gathering seemed more like a family party with mothers and children, food and coffee and little succulents as souvenirs. 

Jessica Castellanos, spokesperson with the organization, said it is important to talk about reproductive justice and abortion in a friendly ambiance. She said not everyone realizes that the topic is intertwined with many others, like immigration and gender identity.  

Since 1969, California has recognized abortion law under tCalifornia’s Constitution and in 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States legalized abortion in all 50 states with the Roe V. Wade decision. However, Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 and since then, several states have passed their own laws banning or restricting abortions.  

Currently, 12 states have a total abortion ban and 29 states have abortion bans based on gestational duration, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

CLRJ fights for equality on the right to be a parent, the right not to be a parent, the right to bodily autonomy and the right to raise children in a safe environment.

Castellanos said the event was especially created for people to understand they have a choice and they have support.