Unburdening: An Abortion and Generational Trauma Memoir

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.

"An important, deeply personal book for the post-Roe era..." - Kirkus Reviews

"With raw emotion and matter-of-fact logic, Benitez made the decision to do what was right for her each time she became pregnant. She does a tremendous job of giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at what an abortion experience is really like." - Independent Book Review

 "Every year millions of women privately go through the pain and emotional anguish of an abortion(...) Benitez has given these tortured souls a voice with her book. This is a must-read for every individual." - Reader's Favorite