In an essay published by Playboy, comedian and talk show host Chelsea Handler opens up about the abortions she had as a teen in an effort to prove why Planned Parenthood is an important organization.
Handler says she was an irresponsible 16-year-old and regularly had unprotected sex. She became pregnant twice by the same guy.
“We all make mistakes,” she said, while also noting that she has no regrets about utilizing Planned Parenthood’s services. “I’m grateful that I came to my senses and was able to get an abortion legally without risking my health or bankrupting myself or my family. I’m 41 now. I don’t ever look back and think, God, I wish I’d had that baby.”
She continues, “We have 7.3 billion people on this planet. Anybody who carefully decides not to become a parent — let alone a bad parent, which is what I would have become — should be applauded for making a smart and sustainable decision.”
“Like millions of women, I can live my life without an unplanned child born out of an unhealthy relationship because of Roe v. Wade,” Handler wrote. “Once you go forward in history, you don’t go backward.”
You can read Handler’s full, emotional essay on Playboy (don’t worry, the link is safe for work).
