How does Civil's decision to have an abortion change her life in the novel, Take My Hand?

For Civil, her decision to have an abortion becomes a symbol of guilt and shame. She made the decision to terminate her pregnancy because she wanted to focus on her career instead of becoming a mother. However, her decision forced her to live with residual regret as a result of the abortion, because Civil feels she has disappointed others' expectations of her and failed to live out her beliefs.