Under Durress

  Jessica
Illinois,  United States
 
  I became pregnant when I was 14 years old. I kept it from my parents, but an aunt I confided in told my mother, and she completely flipped out. She told me I was going to have an abortion, that I had no choice in the matter, and, if I fought her on that, many terrible things would happen, including that I couldn't go to school anymore, my mom would kick me out, divorce my dad, and even said she'd commit suicide. I think I was in a state of shock and don't remember responding in any way. I had been excited about being pregnant and had bought a little onesie and baby name book which I had started highlighting.

Everything happened very quickly, and, within days, my child was gone. I knew instantly the terrible thing I had allowed to happen and grieved for my precious child from that day onward (I'm 32 now).

At the abortion clinic (in Chicago) I only remember the "counselor" asking if I had any questions. I asked when my baby would have been born, began crying, and that was it. Had I been probed by the counselor if having an abortion was my choice and what I wanted, I would have said no, but it was never probed whether I was there under duress.

I went down many bad roads of promiscuity, drinking, smoking, and marijuana. I was very rebellious and felt hatred for my mother.

I thankfully became a Christian when I was almost 17, and my life was then changed. I have shared my story and my conviction for being pro-life ever since having had an abortion. I took the Forgiven and Set Free class through my church (there were 12 of us) two years ago, and I can't begin to tell you the healing, forgiveness, and hope that came out of that class. I recommend it to all post-abortion women, no matter how removed you are for your abortion.
   
   
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