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.”

I had never been pregnant before. I was 17, weeks from graduating high school, and I had my entire future ahead of me. I could not believe that this was happening to me. All I could think of was that I needed money for an abortion. I didn’t even want to think about what that would entail, but I could not see any other way. The relationship between my boyfriend and I was unraveling, only adding to the tension. I wanted it all over. I wanted to find a clinic.

Hi, my name is Elizabeth and I am a birthmother to a healthy, beautiful 1-year-old boy. Choosing to place him in an adoptive home was not easy for me; in fact it was probably the biggest sacrifice of my life, but I thank the birthmother on staff, and everyone else from the WPC who helped me along the way in making a tough but brave decision which turned into a very special gift for two kind and loving people in need.