CATHY [Names have been changed to respect confidentiality.]

I came to the Pregnancy Help Center when I was 15 years old. I had been raised in a Christian home and accepted the Lord when I was 8. My parents had taught me the importance of waiting until I was married to have sex. Even so, when I met "Jake", all my morals went out the window. I thought I was "in love" and I became pregnant. I was scared and waited two weeks to tell my mom. She responded surprisingly with "we'll get through it".

Even though we did not believe in abortion, it seemed like the only option. My mom and grandma took me to an abortion clinic where there was standing room only and not one smiling face. They sent me into a room with my mom and a doctor came in. He explained the procedure as if you simply suction the baby out and you were never pregnant to begin with. He then proceeded to ask me how I would pay for the baby or to go to school if I decided to keep the baby. I felt like I was being pressured to have the abortion. When I looked at my mom she stood up and said "We will help her." Then we walked out.

My Mom, Dad and I talked and decided I would keep the baby. My parents told me they didn't want me to talk to or see Jake anymore. I cried and was so depressed.

Not long after, my mom took me to the Pregnancy Help Center where I spoke to a counselor who was so sweet and non-judgmental. She told me about a bunch of resources I could use if I needed, but the most important thing she showed me was how the Bible pertained to real life. I would tell her how I loved this guy and how I thought my parents were being unfair. She would then show me what God's Word had to say about it. She showed me how to find truthful answers to my questions in God's Word.

One verse in the Bible became the one I would stand on during my teen years. "Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12. I learned how to weigh my feelings against what the Bible said and trust Jesus with my feelings!

You're probably wondering how the rest of the story goes. Well, I never got back with Jake; he ended up going to prison. I had a beautiful healthy baby girl. She is such a blessing to my family and to everyone she meets. I finished high school on time after dropping out for a year. That was God! I went on to get my Associates degree. I met and married a wonderful man. and we are still so much in love. I now have two beautiful little girls. I'm so glad I came to the pregnancy center that day!