MARY [Names have been changed to respect confidentiality.]

When I turned eighteen, I stopped saying no to sex. I often regretted it. I became pregnant while away on vacation. I believed that the fetus was not yet a baby and so I aborted.

This would not happen again I told myself. However, a year later, I was in another relationship. Again, resolve weakened and once more I became pregnant. I made an appointment at an abortion clinic. The procedure literally made me feel like I was dying; I threw up and hemorrhaged, but I didn't tell a soul. I rationalized the abortion decision to lessen the emotional pain-for others and for myself. In reality, these choices affected my relationship with God, my family and others for many years.

Now, I am grateful to be free of the trauma related to past abortions. Through a post-abortion study, I realized God has forgiven me and He has shown me how to live for Him and His approval alone. He has given me undeserved love, a good marriage and two precious children. I'll never be done thanking Him!