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.”

A few days went by and the more I thought about it, the more I was convinced that I needed to think about the life growing inside of me. I still am not sure exactly how I formulated that thought. I did have the presence of mind when I first started having sex three months earlier, to recognize that if I was having sex, I needed to be prepared to be a parent. I knew that no matter what precautions you take to prevent pregnancy, nothing is 100%. I also knew I was not ready to be a parent, but that adoption could be a good choice for my baby and me. I waited to really explore placement until I broke the news to my parents.

Although disappointed at some of the choices I had been making in my life, my parents were very supportive of my decision to choose adoption. They even recommended a childless couple that we had known for many years. My mom had always told me about the Chandler’s* situation and that if I ever knew of anyone in high school with an unplanned pregnancy that I could let them know about the family.

It’s been some years now, and my daughter is growing up. She’s beautiful, talented, and brilliant. The Chandler’s named her middle name after me and honored me with regular visits and updates. It’s not perfect, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to give her life. This isn’t about politics or anything, she’s just happy to be here and has told me so. This year she called me to wish me a Happy Mother’s Day. Yeah, sometimes it’s bittersweet, but sometimes it’s just plain sweet.

This isn’t an easy decision. There are difficult times, but I am so glad I explored the option of adoption so we both could have a chance at a better future.

-Jennifer* , Santa Monica, CA

*Names have been changed

This is how my story goes: one rainy night in mid-March I found myself at a drugstore comparing prices on home-pregnancy kits. I was a bit nervous about missing a period, but it was nothing out of the ordinary. I bought a box with two testers and took it home. When I took the first test, I was somewhat baffled by the results, so I took it again. Positive. I then broke down crying asking “Why me? Why now?” I called my ex and told him the sobering news. He said he would take me to a clinic and pay for an abortion. As it turned out, an abortion was not the easy solution that I thought it would be. I had a horrible experience at the family planning clinic and walked out at the last minute, literally. The nurse suggested I come back another day. Obviously, I never went back, even despite my ex’s constant nagging – he would call me up everyday and ask the same question: “What’s the hold-up?”

The hold-up was that there was a precious life form growing inside of me (both a scary and awesome feeling), and he or she deserved the gift of life, and it was at my mercy. As I approached my second trimester and my baby’s heart was beating strong, the doctors were confident that there was little chance of a miscarriage beyond this point. I figured it was time to think seriously about what the future held for us and how I could turn my situation into a more positive one. I wanted only the best for my child.

After searching around on the Internet for post-abortion horror stories (I actually had some guilt about not being able to go through with it!) I found WPC. It is a special and noble thing to be a birthmother and I’m sure my son will thank me one day. His parents thank me everyday.

-Elizabeth, Culver City, CA