I was 19, with an on-again, off-again boyfriend/sometimes fiance. He was abusive, but at the time I didn't think I could do any better. I had a full ride to a good private college. When I discovered I was pregnant, at first I was happy, thinking my partner and I would be a family. But all the promises he had made me didn't happen, and he grew steadily more abusive. Finally, I left him. After having left him, I had a tough choice. Give up my scholarship and go back home to have my baby, or 'take care of the problem'. I felt so sad, lost, and hopeless... my future was down the toilet, I thought, and my family will be so ashamed of me. I chose to give my beautiful baby boy life, and I have never looked back. I went home and found so many wonderful sources of support. My local pregnancy center and its staff, my family and friends, even strangers at my church–they were all willing to help me, just as they will be willing to help you. I am in school now, and though it's no full ride, I do just fine. You can NEVER take it back if you choose not to give your child life, and I have seen the pain it causes. My son is the light of my life, and I would never have traded him for my personal freedom. You are not alone in this, and you will never know any feeling greater than the love you feel for your child and the love he gives to you. I am so grateful I chose life.

Age: 20
Location: Ohio
Date: October 12, 2011

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