My name is Tabitha. I am unsure who will get this but I was thinking of how I got to where I am and what makes me the person I am today. I started my journey for my masters in Human Services so I can work in the area that I found my confidence in. That’s thanks to Birthright and Patty, who I miss dearly. If you’re wondering who I am, I was a college student who did her practicum there at Birthright. It was a long time ago and at that time I was lost, unsure if this was the career field I should go for. As I grow in my career I keep remembering how much I loved being at Birthright. So I have started my adventure to get that feeling back. This email is just to say thank you. Thank you for believing in me and helping me realize who I want to be and what I want to become.
The best of thoughts,
– Tabitha
My friend told me about Birthright when I told her I didn’t know how I’d make it ‘till payday without running out of diapers for my baby. We normally just make it, but she has been sick and went through them twice as fast as usual. With nothing really to lose, I looked it up on my phone and then stopped by before they closed. I was surprised to see it was a man that was there, but he was friendly and began to ask me about my daughter and my situation—specifically why I needed the diapers. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe me, he actually was just trying to understand our situation better so he could offer more help if possible. Not only did I get the diapers I needed, I also was able to get some much needed clothing for her, and he went through a whole list of other resources that were potentially available for me. Because I just moved here from across the river, I was excited to learn about some potential employment opportunities as well as educational opportunities as well. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went to Birthright, but they were helpful beyond my expectation for sure. I also learned that the man that helped me was a volunteer, and there are many other volunteers (mostly women) that work there too. It felt good to realize there are so many good people in the world! Thanks Birthright!
-Jenny
My wife & I moved from Texas to a small town close to Quincy with our small children, 3 girls & our 4 month old son. Her family in Texas offered no support, but my family welcomed us here with open arms, so we settled into our new life. I am in construction & have plenty of work & my wife is a waitress in a nearby town. Even though my mom helps with our kids, I’m able to be flexible & can take care of them while my wife works. We are far from rich, but we are doing ok—we love each other & adore our precious family! Our “good” life came crashing down about a month ago, when she realized she was pregnant again! How can that be? We were being so careful! My wife panicked & went to the internet to find the closest abortion provider. We cannot have another baby! Not this soon anyway. She found … Birthright of Quincy. We weren’t sure how they could help, but with some apprehension, made the call. A pleasant lady gave us the hours & reassured us if we couldn’t come during the times they were open, she would be happy to come in for us. We drove almost an hour with our little kids, not knowing what was going to be the outcome to this devastating problem. The Birthright volunteer was so kind & listened, she seemed to really understand how we felt. She didn’t judge us, but helped us realize that even if the timing of this new life wasn’t of our choosing, our 7 week old baby was alive & well & deserved the same chance at life as did our other 4 kids. She took time to explain the different ways that Birthright can help us, & even took us all out for lunch to celebrate our new blessing! She also took us to Walmart & bought my wife a couple of outfits for her work. It is amazing how different we feel after hearing the truth about our new child & realizing that even though many people may criticize us for having so many kids, especially this close together, since we are the ones who take care of them & are happy, we shouldn’t feel guilty & be forced to make a choice that we would regret forever! With this “new attitude” we can look to the future with great joy. Thank you Birthright for being there for us when we needed you the most! Sincerely,
– Michael & Janelle
I’ve had enough! I can’t do this! I’m repulsed by the idea of having a baby, how can this be? I know what my life & future needs to be. My focus must remain on my education, athletics, graduating, & getting a good job. How can I let one night at a party change my life forever. I knew better, I was taught better, I have morals. I knew I shouldn’t be drinking. I can’t have this baby. My friends insist they will help me, even if that means raising the child, but I can’t let my mistake mess up their lives! We walked past that Birthright Bus-stop bench at Quincy University more times than I can count before I finally had the courage to call. A nice lady agreed to meet us & before I knew it we were discussing the truth about the development of my baby inside me. I was 13 weeks, & she was able to show me what that looked like. But no, I still can’t let this change my focus, my future. I hated the way this was changing my body. I’m an athlete, disciplined & strong, I couldn’t handle being pregnant. The lady offered me a free ultrasound of my baby, & my friends again insisted & went with us. My friends begged me to make the right choice, & there were others who tried to shame me & tell me I’d go to hell … I was so worried, so scared, so torn & confused. The lady from birthright, though, assured me that no matter what, she’d be there for me. I thought she might hate me, but she promised to love me & be my friend regardless of my decision. Her genuineness & caring was so comforting, & I trusted her. It changed my life. Today, I have no regrets as I look forward to my future. I’m having a baby, who I’ve grown to love, & I’ve picked out the loving couple who will adopt my baby, which I know is the right choice for us. My friends & family, & a stranger at Birthright who is now a cherished part of my life forever, helped me turn an impossible situation into a beautiful event in my life! I will forever be grateful to God for Birthright & their unconditional love & nonjudgmental service at my most desperate time in life.
– Megan
I’m a smart woman—how could this happen? My boyfriend is in the Chicago area where I grew up. He works a lot, and I just graduated from college & really want to work in Quincy for a couple years. Funny how things happen; this was like my 14th pick of colleges to attend & yet here I am with my degree. It’s not really where I thought I would be, not really the path I expected my life to take. So when I contacted Birthright, I knew that having a baby would just be adding to my confusion and problems. I needed to get my head straight & my life back on track—everything seemed completely out of whack! The doctor had confirmed my pregnancy & said I was about 6 or 7 weeks along. I wasn’t sure how Birthright could help, but the lady sounded very nice on the phone & assured me that they could help me, so I agreed to meet with her the next week & was grateful that their services were free & confidential. Long story short—again—not what I had expected, but after spending a couple of hours with the Birthright volunteers, I learned the truth about my baby. Fully formed at 7 weeks … and deserving to be protected. I actually talked to a lady who had an abortion many years ago who now volunteers at Birthright to help other women not make the same mistake she did. She cried to me as she spoke of the emptiness she felt after her abortion—it was powerful. Birthright helped me get a free ultra sound which confirmed my decision. Even before I could feel anything going on in my body, I had pictures to prove my precious baby is growing inside. I’ m still amazed at how clearly I could see my baby’s hands, feet & little heart beating. Yes, I’m in awe at what’s going on in my own mind & body, and I’m grateful for my friends at Birthright (& Carenet) who will be there to help me every step of the way. I’m still not clear about my future, but I am convinced that aborting my baby can’t be the right choice for me after all. I really am a smart woman. The Birthright volunteer said I am a Hero too, especially to my precious baby growing safely inside.
–Bethany
I’ve never ever had to single-handedly take care of myself before. I was given every “thing” by my mother … all the latest brand name clothes and basically whatever I wanted—she loved to shop. But, when I really needed her, she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, give me and my two kids what we really needed most—unconditional love. A few months ago I realized I was pregnant after a one-night stand. I had never made such a stupid mistake before. I was so afraid to tell my mom because I just knew she would disown me—which she did. A friend suggested I go to Birthright for help. I didn’t know how they could help, but I was afraid that an abortion was the only solution and I was desperate. The volunteer at Birthright comforted me as I shared my troubled past and reassured me that Birthright would help me however I needed and they would never leave me to face my trouble alone. The volunteer showed me a model of what my baby looked like at 12 weeks, and although I had the legal right and it seemed easiest, I knew quickly I couldn’t kill my child. It has been so hard trying to learn how to support myself, taking care of my two kids and attending college without the financial means to buy the things we need. I’ve never been good at asking for help either, but the Birthright volunteer seems to know what I need even before I do! She has helped me every step of the way and I know we are going to be ok. I feel like a better person for making the right choice, and I’m so grateful to Birthright for offering me the help I needed to be able to do just that!
– Kendra
Here I am again, texting my friend at Birthright… How can this be? I’m Pregnant AGAIN! My birth control failed?? Want to be positive… my little girl just a year & a half ago was adopted by a wonderful couple… I want to keep my baby this time! Scared & excited…Baby’s daddy wants nothing to do with me or his baby —Birthright volunteer is there, I’ll be ok. Dear God, he has another girl pregnant! I’m so angry!!Can’t have this baby & Birthright won’t help me get an abortion, why not? It’s the best thing for me—everyone wants me to abort, making rude comments to me &talking down to me. I feel so helpless & hopeless…I’ll be 13 weeks soon—Birthright volunteer says she will take me to my first ultra-sound appointment. I want the baby’s father to pay child support…he already has four other kids on a minimum wage job. I really should go through with my abortion! I can’t handle the anxiety & the anger!!Why can’t Birthright help me abort?? I’ll find a way! Even though I appreciate & respect my friend at Birthright, I will not have this baby!!
For the past two weeks, I have done everything in my power to get an abortion but I finally give up & realize God is way more powerful than me & there is a plan& a purpose for my baby.
Thank God my friend at Birthright is understanding & patient…an angel that I will always appreciate. I have decided to let God guide my decision if I should raise my baby or offer for adoption, either way, I know my Birthright friend will be there all the way & beyond.
– Janet
How could I make such a dreadful mistake? I felt so lost and alone. I felt so stupid! When I emailed Birthright, I wanted abortion options. I couldn’t let my adoptive parents know I was pregnant. The baby’s dad was young and drank a lot—a real partier. He sure wasn’t going to support me and my baby. I was just in my first year of college, so I couldn’t have this baby. I wasn’t ready, because I needed to be finished with school and have a good job, and I needed to be married! I received an email back from Birthright and the volunteer gave me her personal cell phone number and asked to meet with me. I didn’t want to meet—why would I trust a stranger that much—so I started asking her more questions the only way I felt comfortable … through text messages. We actually had several long text conversations for several weeks, and it didn’t matter what time of day or night either—she always was there it felt like. Even though I felt like my texts probably sounded scared and angry and negative, she was always kind and comforting, understanding and sympathetic. From day one, she encouraged me to be strong and do the right thing, and she promised that she’d always be there for me too. Because I was adopted, I felt in my heart there was no way I would ever give my child up for adoption. I also didn’t think I was mature enough to raise a child by myself, and I sure as heck didn’t have the courage to tell my mom, knowing how disappointed she would be. As hard as it was, at 10 weeks pregnant I made the long drive to the abortion clinic, against the volunteer’s advice. I filled out paperwork and paid the clinic the non-refundable $665 for the procedure. I was so scared that I texted the Birthright volunteer because I didn’t know what else to do. At the last possible moment, she gave me the encouragement I needed to get up and walk out—what a relief! I’m still scared, and the morning sickness reminds me this won’t be easy, but at least now I know for sure I won’t have to face this alone!
–Shawna
I’m sharing this in hopes that it will help others out there who are in the same position I once was. Most girls have a first love. Mine was twenty-three and I never imagined that I could ever love a person so much. He was “just right” in my eyes, and I believed nothing could go wrong between us – and then I got pregnant. He immediately brought up abortion. I didn’t know what to do, except that I wanted to have the baby. He kept worrying about what people would think, and spent all of our time together convincing me to have an abortion. At the same time, I noticed he wasn’t around as much now showering me with his love. I called around for someone to talk to, someone who might be able to somehow help me, and I remember crying to a stranger over the phone. She encouraged me to come in and talk, but I wanted to do everything to keep the man of my dreams. I made the appointment at the abortion clinic. He sat in the waiting room to support me during this best-for-us-both Blip in our lives. Less than two weeks later, he broke up with me and became as cold a stranger as the one who performed the procedure. Not a day goes by that I don’t have regret. I cry a lot. I can’t believe how much hurt I feel over someone I thought I knew but didn’t, and someone else I never even met but loved whole-heartedly and miss exponentially. If I could go back, I would have met with that stranger on the phone who offered to listen. I understand why she was there now. It’s like Dr. Seuss book says, “I just have to save him, because after all, a person’s a person, no matter how small.” Don’t ever let someone else tell you what’s best for you. The gift of life that some of us are lucky enough to be blessed with is between us and our creator. Respect it. Respect life.
– Ally
Life has truly been a roller coaster ride for me, with long downward spirals. My sister and I were victims of sexual abuse at ages 3 and 5, and today I have a 4 year old son, the light of my life, who is a product of rape. It has taken me a long time to move forward, but after 4 years I tried to start over and began dating. Things were pretty good for a couple of months, until he become controlling and started hitting me. I decided to leave the apartment I shared with a friend and move out of town to get away. He followed me, tracked me down, and pleaded with me to take him back. One morning, as I was opening the door to leave for work with my son, he was waiting for me and pushed his way inside. By this point, I had realized to my despair, I was 4 months pregnant with his child. When he found out he was furious. 2 days later, my body ached all over as doctors finished surgery to repair my ruptured appendix. He had hit me so hard in the stomach, the doctors said had I waited any longer to get to the hospital I could have died. Fortunately, my baby was okay, and doctors said I needed to rest. He continued to harass me to the point that I was evicted from my place as everyone else was worried for their own safety at that point. After receiving my paycheck 4 days later, I drove to the train station with a box of stuff and we headed to Illinois hoping to find some refuge with my sister. Unfortunately, when I arrived in Quincy there weren’t many people looking to offer a job to a mid-term pregnant homeless single mother abuse victim. At 7 months pregnant I couldn’t have felt more desperate, when a lady at the Salvation Army told me to call Birthright. I did, and after a couple of weeks of talking, the volunteer gave me a ride to fill out a housing application so we wouldn’t have to walk again. I was so upset about my prospects, she went in with me; with her help and God watching, our lives began to change that very week. We were accepted for a two bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood and were able to find a bed (we had been sleeping on the floor for so long), stove and refrigerator. I have never felt so together, so loved, and so accepted. I am looking forward to having my baby on October 25th because my new best friend is going to be with me in the delivery room so I won’t have to be alone when my daughter, who I am naming after that Birthright volunteer, takes her first breath.
– Tricia
I’m a single mom, educated & old enough to know better. I have three wonderful kids & a good job. I am so scared & ashamed. I feel like I will be done… I’m so sorry for feeling like this but I have no support. I’m struggling now; my family wants me to abort.
Thank God I called Birthright… My next call & last resort was going to be the abortion clinic! I met with two wonderful volunteers at Birthright that offered me all the encouragement & support I needed to make the right choice. Through many talks & text, my friends at Birthright helped me in so many ways realize that I really will be OK & I am confident that my new friends won’t leave me…they have proven over & over that they really care about me & want to help me succeed in life.
They encouraged me to apply for a better job & gave me nice maternity clothes to wear. I love my new job & can see that my family’s future, even though not an easy path, will be a good one. It’s difficult being a single mom, but with true friends like I have at Birthright I look forward to my new addition & know that I won’t ever be alone.
-Connie
There was a time not long ago that I felt paralyzed by the fear of the unknown; the fear of facing the consequences of my unplanned pregnancy and all of the negative things that could happen because of what I had done. Worry had replaced the other things that used to occupy my days and nights.
Today, joy, gratefulness, and satisfaction have taken the place of that fear, I believe thanks to my friend at Birthright. My son is healthy, happy, and growing like a weed! I’ve been having a blast taking pictures of him each and every day. I’ve decided I may even take up photography I enjoy it so much. And the Birthright volunteer was right on about my baby’s father—he would really have to step up if he would be a productive part of our lives—and he has! I realize that no one has a perfect family, but we are doing good. I wonder how things are going at Birthright, and if there were any miracles there today? That’s what they were for me. I just can’t thank them enough for everything they have done for me. I love being a mother and nothing else compares to holding my sleepy, cuddly son in my arms. He is my everything.
-Stephanie
I am 22 years old and expecting a baby in November. I have lived in Quincy for 2 years but moved a lot as a child because my dad was career military. I have 3 stepmoms and have never been able to spend much time with my biological mother … I’m not even sure where she is. I have never had an alcohol or drug problem because I’ve seen it hurt so many people, especially in my family, but I do suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a seizure disorder. My baby is unexpected and untimely, but as a child growing up in Texas I was educated to the fact that abortion kills a baby, so that could never be an option for me. I’ve always said that I don’t believe in miracles, but after my counselor at college helped me get in touch with a Birthright volunteer in Quincy, I am seeing positive changes taking place in my life that I must say are more than just coincidence. The volunteer has done so much to help me in practical ways that I really can see a bright future for me and my baby. I also know that I have found a true friend for life.
–Cathy
I found myself in the scariest position a young, single woman could be in—facing unexpected parenthood. Terrified and un-educated, I only saw one way out. By miracle, I stumbled upon Birthright in Quincy. Birthright relieved some of the financial burdens & pressures causing me to be scared and “inhibited.” Birthright paid off a former lease, kept me current with rent, and even assisted in filing my taxes! Without these burdens, I was able to focus on more important things, and able to see the many options available to me.
Birthright also provided emotional support–something that was hard to find elsewhere. Birthright & its volunteers exposed all of my options, with no pressure, force, or judgment, letting me make the final decisions. This empowered me to do the right thing, and grow as a person. Birthright & its volunteers truly cared about me & brought it upon themselves to make “my problem their problem.” They were able to connect with me on a very personal level, and I have made some friends for life.
Thanks to Birthright, Hunter Joseph is expected to arrive on Aug. 19! Without Birthright, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
-Chelsea- Renee
When I first called the Birthright number, I was expecting a quick and easy answer to where I could take my girlfriend for an abortion. I was a little surprised at first to hear a guy’s voice on the other end of the line, but not nearly as surprised as I would be at the outcome of the conversation. First of all, he treated me with respect and made me feel like I was really in control of my situation when all week I had felt so helpless and scared. By making me feel so comfortable right away on the phone, he was able to slow things down and ask me some questions that probably changed the course of my life. He assured me that abortion was my right, but asked what I knew about it. Of course I knew about it, but until that point I tried to pretend that I didn’t, especially to my girlfriend, who was probably even more scared than me. He asked me if I cared about her too, and whether I intended to continue my relationship with her going forward. As I responded yes, he made me think about how a decision like the one we were contemplating would affect our relationship going forward, and whether or not I wanted her to go through the mental and physical anguish that could certainly arise. Finally, he asked very frankly, “what’s standing in the way of you and her having this wonderful baby that’s already growing inside of her, and how can I help you?” As it turned out, he actually was able to offer solutions that made sense to me to every obstacle I threw at him, and while I was afraid at first he would try to convince me not to abort, I had ended up convincing myself. And when I talked to my girlfriend about it, she cried and said she was so happy and relieved she wouldn’t have to go through with it. We are going to get married someday, and we’ll have a wonderful family, thanks in part, to Birthright in Quincy.
–Justin
Reflecting back as a young man in my mid-20’, it is clear I have made some bad choices; but it seems God has always been here to straighten things out. After getting caught up in the party scene and some trouble with drugs, I found the courage to do something with my life. My wonderful adoptive parents raised me in the church and with all the necessary tools to succeed. I received a Vo-Tec degree, got a respectable job, and started to save some money. Unfortunately, my girlfriend and mother of my 4 children was unable to escape the drugs as I had, and her inability or unwillingness to change ended our relationship. I later met a wonderful woman with the same values as me and our future looked very promising once again. The last thing we needed was to find out she was pregnant! Being adopted myself, I have always been pro-life, but reasoning said there was no way we could have this baby. Together we already had 5, and I was still desperately trying to shed my irresponsible reputation. I knew she’d never give up a baby she carried for 9 months, so after much persuading, I convinced her to abort. For some reason, she called Birthright. We felt scared and uneasy when we walked into the office, but the volunteer immediately calmed us and began solving our problems. We realized this precious baby was a gift from God, and that adoption was such a loving choice. No matter what we decided, we could tell the Birthright volunteer would help us every step of the way however she could. I had learned to smell a phony, and this lady was a true friend with no ulterior motives. After leaving we both cried together when we realized God had saved the baby he had given us by providing Birthright to help us solve our problems. We have a new plan and have made a choice we can both live with for the rest of our lives.
-John
When I was 18 I got pregnant unexpectedly, and at three months pregnant I had an abortion. While it bothered me for a while, it became easier as time passed. Several years later I was listening to a Christian radio broadcast as it described an unborn child during an abortion procedure. It talked about the baby’s frantic attempts to escape the tools of the abortionist and how the child’s heartbeat accelerated as it sensed apparent danger. I immediately became overcome with grief and heartache. How could I have taken the life of my unborn child? Later I met a wonderful man and we were eventually married. Five months into our marriage came a great surprise—I was pregnant! I had always longed to be a wife and mother and now my dream was going to come true. The pregnancy was going as well as could be expected until about 20 weeks in when for no apparent reason I suddenly went into labor and gave birth to a little boy. He lived three hours. The doctor said there was nothing they could do … he was just too small. We named him Joseph David. I had imagined us playing in the park but instead I was already saying goodbye. I later read in a book some information that said a miscarriage at the stage I had been at could be due to previous abortions. It was at that moment, nearly thirteen years after my abortion, that the implications of my previous actions came to bear. As hard as the initial process was for me, nothing could prepare me for the despair I would feel for what seemed like forever after that. I have since received God’s forgiveness and even learned to forgive myself, and my husband and I recently adopted our only child. If I can save a girl from making the mistake I made by simply telling my story, maybe my babies didn’t die in vain.
– Kelly
I was raised in a good, Christian, pro-life family; when I was little, I remember thinking, “how could anybody kill a baby?” When I was eighteen, I moved out on my own and began attending college. I had my first serious boyfriend and life seemed right on track. I was very busy, so I didn’t even notice when I missed my first period. The next month came and went so I bought a home pregnancy test … Bam— positive. I started freaking out. What was I going to do? My life was over. I couldn’t have a baby … I could barely take care of myself. What were my parents going to think? What about my boyfriend—he probably wouldn’t want a baby. What about college? A career? It was decided in that moment. I had convinced myself that I had no other choice and all of my better judgment went right out the window. Everything I had been taught about this baby living in my belly was gone now. My mind was set—I was going to have an abortion … and it would be quick and easy and then I would go on with my life like it never happened and no one would ever even know—except for my best friend. We drove to an abortion clinic in Peoria and sat and waited in the waiting room. Tick, tock, the seconds felt like minutes and the minutes like hours. I was horrified as I looked around amid women joking and laughing. I heard one girl say, “this is my third, how bout you?” It made me sick to my stomach. My friend looked at me and said, “let’s not do this today, okay?” I agreed and we drove back home. Thankfully my friend had heard of Birthright and suggested that we go there and at least talk to a volunteer. I was scared that this volunteer was going to shame me into keeping my baby … or even worse, call my parents! When we walked into the Birthright office we were greeted by a nice lady with a big bright smile. I sure wasn’t feeling cheerful, but somehow I felt a bit comforted by that smile. She administered a pregnancy test and we talked for two hours straight … I felt completely comfortable with this total stranger. I told her why it just wasn’t possible for me to have this baby and I even told her all the reasons why, but one by one we went through my problems and somehow seemed to find solutions for all of them. She even went with me to talk to my parents and my boyfriend when I was ready. Anyways, I gave birth to a 9 pound, 7 ounce little girl several months later. To think that I almost gave all of this up. How could I have ever thought that this little girl wasn’t exactly what I needed. One of the first visitors I had in the hospital was the Birthright volunteer that helped me that day. She had that same huge smile on her face that she did the first day I walked into the Birthright office. At that moment, I just knew everything was going to be okay. I almost made the biggest mistake of my life, and Birthright changed my life. They truly helped me and they saved my daughter’s life.
–Jaime
I graduated high school early and knew exactly what I intended to do with my future. At age 18, I was determined to attend a good university and earn my criminal justice degree. QU offered me the atmosphere & education I was looking for, especially since I knew I had to get out of my hometown and away from my friends and family. My boyfriend & I had grown up together and had a pretty stormy and rocky relationship, so … a new beginning … new town … new life. Before even settling into my dorm, I realized I was pregnant. What now? Abortion, for me, was never an option. I wanted it all! Continue with school, work, have my baby, and be independent … but how? I was really alone, scared, and confused … overwhelmed doesn’t adequately describe how I felt, so I got up the courage and called Birthright. Sylvia, the volunteer I worked with, was so calm and caring and really listened—and didn’t judge me. Even though it’s not easy, between her and the other volunteers and their services I am working out the best solutions for me and my baby. I found a wonderful church and great friends to fill the loneliness & help me grow to be the best person and mom I can be. Even though having a baby wasn’t part of my plan, I am very encouraged and excited to realize that with God’s help & my friends at Birthright, I can make the right choices and still achieve my goals.
-Natalie
I had been raised to believe in the sanctity of life, but by age 24 I found myself scared, confused, and alone . . . I found myself pregnant. I had no family support except for my 75 year old Grandmother who had helped raise me. I was very angry with my “boyfriend” who now wanted nothing to do with me or our baby, so I scheduled an appointment at the abortion clinic to “fix” the terrible mistakes I had made. On the way there I realized I couldn’t go through with it, but I still didn’t know what to do. I wished I could go to sleep and then wake up problem-free. My Grandmother contacted Birthright, and although I was afraid, I talked to a volunteer. She didn’t judge me, but really cared and listened. She helped me find real solutions and gave me the chance to make the best choices possible, which for me included adoption for my child. It was the most loving and self-less thing I could do as a mother, and with the right help I know I will find the perfect family to love and care for my baby.
-Janice
At age 20, I unexpectedly found myself pregnant. My Parents passed away when I was very young, and although I had loving Grandparents who took great care of me, I longed for a special and lasting relationship. I thought I found that in my baby’s Father, but he didn’t take much interest in me or the baby after he heard the news. Scared and confused, I called the Birthright Hotline, who put me in touch with a Birthright Volunteer in Quincy. The Volunteer really listened to me and offered exactly the loving friendship and comfort I needed. Going in I thought that abortion would be my only way out, but Birthright helped me find the courage and determination to learn the truth about my pregnancy and find real solutions. I still cannot believe that someone . . . anyone . . . would give so much of themselves, completely free, with no other motive than genuinely to help pregnant women and girls and their babies in need of something or someone. My beautiful little boy was born April 19th, 2010, and I know that with the help of God, my family, and my friends at Birthright, we will be okay.
-Angie
I was pressured into an abortion when I was only eighteen years old. I have felt tremendous guilt and anguish every day since the procedure, and instead of fading away like I have hoped, those feelings have only gotten stronger as time has passed. At the time I felt scared, confused, and backed into a corner by the baby’s father, my parents expectations, and my own plans for my life . . . I never felt like I had a real choice. I was horrified and ashamed later when I learned the real facts about my terminated pregnancy. I was uninformed, didn’t have the support I needed, and was looking for any way to justify my decision. I wish someone would have been there for me.
-Sarah