“Antonella” and her partner came to Georgia with a vision for a better future. They were eager to put down roots, contribute to their community, grow their careers, and make a name for themselves.
But what hope existed was quickly extinguished the moment Antonella discovered she was pregnant.
Already feeling alone and isolated in a new place, the news of her pregnancy seemed to make those emotions even greater.
The only person she knew so far was her boyfriend. He was her source of strength; what would he say? Would he be upset? Excited? Disappointed by her?
Antonella took in the news and carefully thought through what to do next. For her, abortion was on the table. She knew of women who had gotten abortions, and she assumed they were safe. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea?
No one would judge her, because no one knew her. It would be her secret.
She kept the news to herself for a couple of days, then sat down with her boyfriend to share what was happening.
She told him she was considering abortion and that it would be safe and harmless.
He didn’t fully agree.
Though the timing was less than ideal and they were living below the poverty line, he hoped that he could encourage her to keep the baby. That they would figure it out.
Antonella was not convinced.
She told him she’d think about it, but the next day she searched online for nearby abortion options.
Finding the phone number for Human Coalition, she thought they were a place that would care and could help.
While on the phone with one of our nurses, Antonella felt like she was speaking with a friend. One that understood where she was coming from. It felt so good to speak with a kind and compassionate person and to be shown empathy. She learned of her options and was given a more detailed picture of what an abortion procedure entailed.
Antonella agreed to a free pregnancy test and ultrasound at a nearby clinic. At her appointment, she was met with support and encouragement. With her boyfriend by her side, she began to wonder why she was the only one pushing for the abortion.
If she were to ask herself truly what the reason was, it was because Georgia still felt like such a foreign place and becoming a mom here was terrifying.
But as she saw the image of her baby appear on the screen, Antonella began to take comfort in knowing that maybe this was a part of God’s plan.
After her appointment and follow-up call with Human Coalition, Antonella learned more about the Continuum of Care program.
She learned that this program was filled with resources and connections to local agencies and organizations within her community. If enrolled in the program, she would be paired with a social worker to address her unique needs and would feel confident and better equipped to parent.
This was exactly what Antonella needed.
As she built a new life in Georgia, Antonella hoped to find more than opportunity; she longed for a sense of belonging. Through Human Coalition, she found a caring community that felt like family.
It wasn’t long before Antonella decided on life for her baby.
Antonella began to feel more at home and was more excited to welcome a baby into their family. Through the Continuum of Care program, she was connected to resources in health care, employment, legal assistance, housing, mental health services, and social support. Throughout her pregnancy, she received consistent communication and home visits, and even a hospital visit when she delivered her baby!
Antonella also took part in our “Holiday Connections” program, which provides Christmas gifts to support families in need.
When we asked Antonella what she would tell other moms in her position, she said —
“I would tell other women that you do have options and there are people and resources out here to help. It’s possible, and I’m thankful to God that I didn’t give up.”
God used generous supporters like you to meet Antonella in her moment of need. Because of your compassion, she found care, hope, and the support she needed to choose life for her baby.
We praise God that Antonella found us when she did! She’s doing well, and she and her daughter are both healthy. She’s secured part-time work and is able to help support her growing family. We’re proud of the woman and mom that she’s become!