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    • Abortion is not the only option for unplanned pregnancy
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    Abortion is not the only option for unplanned pregnancy

    Harry Posted on

    Alecia Forester
    | guest columnist

    I was about to graduate from universityWhen I unexpectedly found out I was pregnant, with my whole life ahead of me.

    A few months ago I would have welcomed this news. I was dating a man who loved me (so I thought). But as college sweethearts often do, our relationship ended and we eventually broke up.

    I called my ex-boyfriend to tell him that he was going to be a father. He didn’t look happy but agreed to go with me. First Coast Women’s Servicesa local pregnancy center. The staff there welcomed me with open arms and provided a counselor to help me through my pregnancy.

    I left the center hopeful, but my optimism quickly turned to fear when my child’s father told me I had to go. have an abortion. I felt broken and alone, but I told him I wanted to keep the baby.

    In the days that followed, he relentlessly pressured me to have an abortion, offering me $35,000 to have one. As a new college graduate, the easiest choice would have been to take the money. After all, I was still looking for a job; I knew that job opportunities for a young, pregnant mother were limited.

    But I was determined to continue my pregnancy.

    My counselor at First Coast listened to me without judgment. I shared with him the pressure I was experiencing from my ex-boyfriend and his family, who called me regularly and told me that they would not pay alimony.

    I was constantly worried about the conditions in which my baby would be born. I wanted my son to have an incredible life, but I wasn’t sure I was in a position to provide him with everything he deserved.

    She listened as I explained all my concerns to my counselor at First Coast and suggested I complete a workbook to help me think about whether adoption might be a good option for me and my unborn son. After completing this I knew in my heart that adoption was the best way forward.

    Although I was confident in my decision, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I focused on the fact that I made the decision for my son, not for myself.

    Over the next few months of my pregnancy, I looked at profiles of prospective families. I chose a couple who cannot have children of their own. We clicked immediately at our first meeting and they agreed. open adoptionThis means I can still be a part of my baby’s life.

    When my son was born adoptive parents They accepted us both into their families. We remained a team in many ways throughout his childhood. When I chose to adopt, they raised me to always know that I loved her and wanted the best for her.

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    In turn, I was able to watch him grow. Today, he is 22 years old and a successful kid. We see each other several times a year, talk regularly, and stay active in each other’s lives.

    My story hasn’t always been easy, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful. I am incredibly grateful to First Coast, who first opened my eyes to the beauty of adoption and walked with me through the decision and the years that followed. And every day I am grateful for my son’s life and the happiness he brings to the world.

    I often think about the debilitating fear I experienced when I found out I was pregnant. Fear could have overwhelmed me, but I sought support. The same help is available for other Florida women who may be facing similar situations. Please – reach out and take it.

    Alecia Forester, St. Augustine

    This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome different opinions.

    Harry
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