A child out of wedlock was the last thing “Mariana” wanted for herself. Attending college while her boyfriend was still finishing high school, they were in no position to have a child. Mariana planned to graduate and then one day get married. But now she was pregnant, unmarried, and in college. The steps all seemed jumbled now and she couldn’t make sense of what to do next. It was disorienting.
Where do I go from here?
Her mind first jumped to an abortion, seeing it as the immediate fix to her problem. Something about it didn’t feel quite right, yet she couldn’t help but at least entertain the idea of it.
She could have an abortion and still move on with her life—continue her education, continue to date, and continue with her life plan. Learning from this mistake, she could then follow the correct steps.
But would she really be able to forget that a life once existed inside of her?
Mariana pulled out her phone and searched for an abortion nearby. Thankfully, she found the number to Human Coalition and dialed, hoping there was someone who could answer her cry for help.
A kind, calming, and compassionate voice began speaking on the other end of the line. The nurse listened to Mariana share the news of her unexpected pregnancy. It helped Mariana to vocalize her innermost thoughts to someone, even if this person was a stranger. The nurse shared with Mariana all her options regarding her pregnancy. When the topic of adoption was brought up, Mariana admitted she had never considered it before.
You mean I can carry the baby, but still pursue my education and a career?
You mean I can carry the baby, but still pursue my education and a career?
“Mariana”
To Mariana, this option didn’t feel as shameful as having an abortion.
She knew ending a life was morally wrong. She knew having a child out of wedlock was looked down upon in her family. But adoption felt like a path that could be good for both her and her child. She could still give her child a good life, and she too could have one.
When she shared the news of adoption with her boyfriend, he was on board too. She moved forward with peace knowing it was the right decision for them both. Mariana then began to feel excited about the pregnancy. Though it was a curve ball she didn’t see coming, she was determined to make the most of it.
However, in the weeks to come, Mariana felt her emotions fluctuate again.
She would have thoughts and dreams of what her life would be like with this child. She wondered what her daughter would look like and who she’d become one day. Mariana quickly dismissed these thoughts, knowing this baby wouldn’t be her daughter. She wouldn’t build a life with her, and that was her choice.
Is it too late to change my mind? She wondered as tears streamed down her face.
Mariana took a few more days to think about everything, but the thought of not raising her daughter became overwhelming. Close to the halfway point of her pregnancy, she felt her baby kick and move inside of her. She was tracking her daughter’s progress through a pregnancy app and loved seeing how she was changing and growing.
I can’t give her up for adoption.
Mariana didn’t have to wonder who to call next; she knew. Picking up her phone, she called Human Coalition yet again and asked to speak to the nurse who initially took her call so many weeks ago. She explained her change of heart: She wanted to keep her daughter. She wanted to parent. She wanted to be her mom and bravely step into motherhood.
I don’t know how I’m going to make it all work, but I’m going to try.
Mariana then got connected with a social worker as a part of the Continuum of Care program who walked alongside her too. Her care team became her newfound support system. She turned to them when she needed encouragement, wisdom, or just a listening ear. Mariana wasn’t shy about asking questions or letting others know when she needed help. She learned what to expect throughout labor and delivery and even in the days of postpartum. She began reading books on parenting to become the best mom possible to her daughter.
A few months later, Mariana gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She is thriving, full of joy, and is loving life with her daughter!
If Mariana hadn’t found Human Coalition when she did, abortion would have seemed like her only option. Regret and further shame likely would have followed her long after that decision.
So, THANK YOU for making choosing life possible for moms like Mariana! It’s because of your prayers, support, and generosity that mothers like her are being given the opportunity to parent. When there seems to be no way, YOU are making a way for moms and children. You are the very hands and feet of Christ to these moms!