Everything was new for “Ashanti.” Now living in Texas and recently broken up with her boyfriend, new didn’t seem so bad.
Then Ashanti learned that she was pregnant, and that’s when her thoughts and emotions began to spiral.
She never felt more alone. Wanting to get away from her ex, but now she was pregnant with his child, she feared this baby would always remind her of him.
As her mind was in a dark place, it led her to entertain the idea of abortion: the option that would quickly solve her problem.
The thought of raising a child alone in a new state, suddenly “new” became overwhelming. She wanted no ties with her ex and to completely start fresh. Maybe having an abortion was what she needed to do?
Taking to the internet to browse her options, Ashanti came across Human Coalition. Over the phone, she chatted with a kind and understanding nurse that answered all her questions. She learned that though abortion would quickly solve her “problem,” the lasting emotional and physiological effects would remain with her for years. She definitely didn’t want that, but still felt she had no support. Then she learned about the Continuum of Care (CoC) program and how she would be paired with a social worker who would give her the support she needed to feel equipped to parent her child.
Knowing there was a community of women at her fingertips, the idea of having a baby no longer seemed so overwhelming.
Ashanti received a free ultrasound appointment. Seeing her baby for the first time is what made things become real to her. She called back days later and let us know she was keeping her baby.
“There is hope and light at the end of the tunnel, and y’all helped me remember that.”
The biggest obstacle that was leading Ashanti towards aborting her baby was feeling that she was isolated and had no help in her motherhood journey.
Human Coalition and her care team empowered her to parent and gave her the resources and tools she needed. The consistent communication meant a lot to her and is what helped Ashanti keep her faith in God. Her team was able to assist with maternal and baby items, financial needs, new employment opportunities, and more. Care Portal was able to help cover her security deposit through support from a local church.
She even had the opportunity to participate in Holiday Connections, a Human Coalition program that supplies Christmas gifts for the whole family, thanks to our generous donors!
Having a group of women surround Ashanti as she entered motherhood meant the world to her. Ashanti is close with her mom, but moving to Texas meant she couldn’t be there for the everyday moments. That’s why finding a community of women who could walk alongside her was so meaningful.
We asked Ashanti what advice she had for women facing an unexpected pregnancy and looking to abort:
“Do not do it! Pray and ask God to lead you and guide you! There is hope and there are people like Human Coalition that want to help you.”
Although Ashanti chose life for her baby, she faced the emotional challenges of navigating single parenthood while coping with separation from the baby’s father. She walked through post-partum with courage, and things have since improved. She is incredibly grateful for her decision and is cherishing this precious season with her newborn!