“Well, you should have been aborted!” the Harvard student yelled in my face. He added some profane epithets as if daring me to respond.

It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last. I’ve been told this so many times throughout my life, I lost count. I’m the 1% used 100% of the time to justify abortion. Even though my birthmom was a victim of the horrific violence of rape, she didn’t make me a victim of the violence of abortion.

Because of her incredible courage I’m still here. Because of the love of two adoptive parents who loved me despite how I came to be, I’m living out my purpose.

That confused student’s challenge wasn’t one that would break me. Abortion didn’t take my life. Severe depression didn’t take my life. Bilateral blood clots in my lungs didn’t take my life. Cancer didn’t take my life.

I’ve battled worse and lesser things. I’ve been denounced by the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and the NAACP for defending lives like mine. I’m obviously doing something right.

I know I was meant to be.