Guest opinion: 15-week abortion ban hurts victims of rape and incest

The abortion ban moving rapidly through the Florida Legislature does not allow exceptions for rape, incest or human trafficking.

Research has estimated 10 to 15 percent of the general population as having at least one such instance of incest. Among women, research has yielded estimates as high as 20 percent. That’s one in five people. That means you, or someone you know, has experienced this terrible ordeal.

Authorities estimate incest occurs in over 10 percent of American families, yet only 20 percent of these offenses are reported. The crime often goes unreported because it is initiated by someone the child, usually a girl, loves and trusts.

This is not the first time I have shared my personal story of incest. But this is the most important time because of the dangerous abortion ban legislation politicians in Tallahassee intend to make the law of the land in Florida.

Most people know me as a business professional. My incest story was not something that I often share because it is very difficult to relive.

I did not have an Ozzie and Harriet childhood. My childhood was filled with abuse by an alcoholic father who not only abused me, but also my mother. He began sexually abusing me when I was four years old. I had to live with that secret all my life because, as is typical, my abuser threatened to kill me if I told anyone. 

The abuse had a profound impact on me. It made me determined that I wasn't going to continue life like that as a victim. I made a conscious effort to go off to college and get my education, be financially independent and become the professional I am today.

But I always had that secret. I was finally able to tell my story when we started the PACE Center for Girls 15 years ago in Lee County. PACE is about helping girls that have been abused, abandoned and neglected. That’s when it hit me in the face — WOW, this is me!

Once I shared my story, I realized what an impact it had on so many others. And I also figured out that we shouldn't be ashamed of our past and what has happened to us. Instead, we can use our stories to help others.

I was very fortunate that I never got pregnant from my father. But if this happened to me today and I became impregnated by him, the state of Florida would expect, no, force, me to have his child. There’s no question in my mind that I would want an abortion. I can't imagine not having that choice.

Many underage girls don’t know they are pregnant by 15 weeks. They think they have just gained weight, are tired, etc. And, in a case like mine, there was no way I was getting support from my parents to help me. This is why a 15-week ban is so dangerous. Rep. Persons-Mulicka and Sen. Passidomo — leave the law the way it is now.

I know this is a sensitive subject and some of my friends disagree with me because they have different beliefs than I do. But it's my decision, my body and I could never live with having to carry a child from an act of incest or rape.

I'm speaking for myself here. Not for my company or colleagues. I'm 70 now and I feel like it's time to speak my truth and I’ve earned the right to have a public opinion.

My one true wish is that we can all come together because the animosity, hate and anger is ruining us. Can we just come together and reach an agreement on what may not be perfect, but works? If we keep on this track, I’m worried about our wonderful country that has given us so many opportunities. 

Gail Markham is a resident of Fort Myers.