Unburdening: An Abortion and Generational Trauma Memoir by Teresa Benitez Series: Standalone
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Book
Pages: 187
Teresa Benitez-an engineer, doctor, and professor-had three abortions between 2004 and 2022. Although she was against abortion until 2004, her first pregnancy awakened her deepest fears: was she good enough to raise a family? Or would her unresolved childhood trauma, and resulting mental illness, render her incapable of love? In Unburdening, each pregnancy termination is meticulously described. The aftermath of each abortion is explored, including the mystifying blend of relief and distress that often remains after the procedure is over. A moving memoir infused with poetic prose, Unburdening is a story of motherhood, abortion, and mental health. It delves into generational trauma, survival, love, self-forgiveness, and healing. Born in Puerto Rico in 1984, Teresa Benitez has a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. She was an engineering professor for nine years. Teresa currently lives in Gainesville, Florida, with her ten-year-old daughter and three cats.
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Also in this series: The Romance Novel Formula, Midnight Pages, Murder in the Neighbourhood
MY THOUGHTS
This was a poignant read that was at once relatable yet a new perspective. The author calls it “An Abortion and Generational Trauma Memoir” and it’s not unreasonable to say that’s an understatement. She was traumatized not only as an adult in love and health, but from a young age in nearly every way. This is a story that drives home just how much of an impact parents have on their children from a young age on a deep level. My heart broke for her from beginning to end, often bringing me to tears.
The author goes into graphic detail about her experiences with men, the abortions, the aftermath, her coping mechanisms, and later parenting. I appreciated her candor because it was enlightening and packed a powerful punch. Her description of her mental health really hit home for me. Even without the same traumas and circumstances, I recognized a similar relationship between the author and her mind as I have with myself.
Sharing how she finally got help and how it changed her over time was almost therapeutic in itself. I can only hope to have the kind of moment with such positivity that she ended her memoir with, and my biggest wish for her is that she finds the peace she longs for and the kind of love you read about in books and poems.
About the Author
Born in Puerto Rico in 1984, Teresa Benitez has a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. She was an engineering professor for nine years. Teresa currently lives in Gainesville, Florida, with her ten-year-old daughter and three cats.
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