Adopted herself, Jessica knew the questions and insecurities that can come with adoption, but also the courage and value for life that permeates the decision. This is something Jessica understands from many angles.

Years ago she made an abortion decision, based on pressure from a past boyfriend as well as her parents. So, when she once again stared at a positive pregnancy test, she describes, “I was happy, upset and scared all at the same time. I fell to the floor in tears.” She proceeded out the door to face the father of this baby. This time, instead of rejection, she was met with the kind arms of a man who would spend the next nine months walking through a decision that would forever change their lives.

The decision wasn’t easy, however, as she was met with her parent’s disapproval of a subsequent pregnancy while still unmarried. Their pressure for her to abort was stronger than ever. What they didn’t understand was that their pressure perpetually re-opened the wound of her previous abortion.

Desperate for help, Jessica turned to WPC and met with a counselor who validated her fears and concerns and told her about the birth mom support program—a network of women either considering or having placed their children for adoption. This counselor remained in her life through the pregnancy and during the difficult time when Jessica gave birth to her son Connor and placed him for adoption. Just a few months later, Jessica officially joined the birth mom support group and still regularly meets with them today!

Adoption was not an easy or pain-free choice, but Jessica made it because of her love for her son, which became the most important thing to her. Seeing him as a happy toddler in a loving family brings indescribable joy.

As she’s continued in the birth mom support group and completed the post-abortion healing study, she’s learned about the healing process, the importance of a loving and safe community of people who understand your pain, and the many tools that lead to restoration and hope. Despite the rejection of her family, the heartbreak from a previous abortion, and the hard decision of adoption, Jessica found hope and healing through the support, resources and relationships at WPC. “I’m turning my life around, embracing new beginnings and I’m passionate about helping others through WPC to do the same.”

Kimberly:
Three years ago, a friend invited me to the WPC gala. One of the things that stood out to me that night was a map that they showed with 50 red dots representing abortion providing facilities in the area, and the one green dot that was WPC. I remember thinking…that needs to change. More people need to know about WPC so they know they don’t have to have an abortion! I wanted to help but didn’t know how.

Joy:
It was a Thursday afternoon in May. Something inside told me to get a pregnancy test and take it. I did….POSITIVE!

I felt helpless, lost, and like an idiot. I made a really big mistake. I was in a rocky relationship, wasn’t financially stable, and couldn’t see myself bringing another life into this world.

In the past, it was easy for me to comment on other women going through my same ordeal… It wasn’t until I became pregnant that I considered abortion, especially after my mom told me to “get rid of it.” She came around after a couple of days and said she’d be supportive. But, I found myself still considering abortion, with nowhere to turn.

Kimberly:
I met Joy on a television set. That morning I remember driving to work telling the Lord, “Use me today.” I had no idea what I was about to walk into.

Joy:
On Thursday, May 19th my guardian angel, Kimberly, greeted me while we were working the set of a TV show. While waiting for our next scene, I told her I was pregnant and was thinking about having an abortion. She was really warm and easy to talk to and she immediately wanted to help me. She didn’t pressure me either way, but told me about a clinic where I could go to get help and hear about other options.

Kimberly:
When she first told me she wanted to have an abortion, my heart stopped. Then, all of the sudden, WPC came to mind. I turned to Joy and said, “Have you heard of Westside Pregnancy Clinic?” She hadn’t, and so I went on to tell her about the free medical care, counseling, and baby supplies they provide, and how I’d had several friends work and volunteer there, and had even gone there myself to volunteer, and how I thought she would really love it. She was very interested and so I immediately pulled up the website on my phone and we looked at it together.

Joy:
I walked into the WPC the very next day and I saw the most beautiful blur – my lil’ peanut at 7 1/2 weeks old. I walked into that clinic, eyes watering because I was so distraught and I walked out, eyes watering with a big grin from ear to ear carrying my ultrasound picture and my prenatal vitamins.

Kimberly:
The next day I texted Joy and she replied with: “I actually got super lucky and the clinic saw me today. Kimberly, its heart was flickering on the ultrasound. I am so blessed; Grace my counselor was so informative. Words can’t even describe how much you’ve helped me.

And then attached to her text, she sent me a picture of the ultrasound! I flipped!!! I realized that God had placed me EXACTLY where He was working that day.

Joy:
I am so thankful for Kimberly & for WPC. They provided me with my first ultrasound, counseled me in helping me make my decision to keep my baby. I’m enrolled in the parenting support program and pregnancy & birthing classes.

My baby girl is due on Christmas Eve. She has empowered me and given me more strength than I could have ever imagined. There is nothing more I could have asked for.

Kimberly:
I’m so thankful that a friend brought me to the gala and introduced me to WPC. I had no idea I would have the privilege of God using me to help WPC shine a little brighter in the middle of so many abortion clinics. And that has deeply encouraged me on days when I feel so insignificant and frustrated with my own life.

Taurian smiles as she recalls her first memories of her father– his arms wide open asking her to come to him. Sadly, however, those same hands did not tuck her in each night, nor did they hold her hand as she walked home from school. Her parents were unable to care for her because they were teens themselves, so she was raised by her grandparents in South Central Los Angeles. When Taurian talks about her life she repeatedly and enthusiastically states: “I’m so blessed.”

Graduating from NYU with a bachelor’s degree, she knew that she wanted to spend her life helping people. Her dedication to serving and fighting for refugees took her to Ghana, Africa. Unfortunately, while she was there, she found herself in desperate need of help. She was 23 years old, pregnant and the baby’s dad was nowhere to be found. She eventually was able to return to the States just in time to give birth to her beautiful daughter, Meridian. Taurian gave birth at home, completely unassisted, and absolutely convinced that the Lord saw her through.

Just two weeks after Meridian was born, Taurian began to search for help within her community. That search led her to WPC, where she not only received the parenting tools and support that she had been desperate for, but also incredible relationships that would see her through this new experience. Her WPC counselor began mentoring her through “mommy-hood”, something she had never truly been on the receiving end of. Her counselor continually expressed a sincere love and care for Taurian and her family and shared her own personal experience, which not only created a space of trust in the relationship but challenged Taurian’s will and ability.

As she continues in the Parenting Support Program, Taurian is learning skills specific to her life and the needs of her baby. In her own words, “My deepest desire is to change the tide of absent parents in the lives of their children. With the help of WPC I have a shoulder to lean on, and believe I can overcome my past circumstances and truly make a difference.” With this new found hope, Taurian is ready for a fresh start and she and her baby girl moved to Paris, France this past fall to start her singing career.