It’s hard to explain how you feel the moment when at age 17, your whole life in front of you, about to begin, you find out that you’re pregnant. July 11, 2011 started out like any other day. Up until this time I had not even the slightest clue that I was pregnant. My mother and I went to my family doctor to get some results of a general blood test and left with the news that I was pregnant.

Before finding out I was pregnant I was completely against abortion. But, terrified at the thought of becoming a mother when I was barely sure I knew how to take care of myself and knowing my mother was mortified and frightened for my future, the idea of abortion suddenly seemed less terrible. My immediate thought, however, was not about abortion. Like most girls my age when they find out they are pregnant, my first desire was simply to make it go away. I didn’t know how I could possibly succeed as a parent with the pressure of school, work, and trying to grow up.

Two days later I went to the Women‘s Center in Kettering, where I was to have my first ultrasound. Because abortion was on the table, the consultant at the Women’s Center showed me all the options, depending on how far along I was. My ultrasound showed that I was much further than I suspected—32 weeks pregnant. As I saw the face of my nearly fully developed son, heart beating, moving, and beautiful, I knew then and there that there wasn’t a chance in the world I could have an abortion.

I was still unsure of my situation, however, and a million thoughts were running through my mind. Adoption was still an option for me. I knew at my age it would be extremely difficult to give my son the best of this world. After feeling an outrageous amount of pressure from other people I knew with opinions on whether I should adopt or keep my baby, I made my decision through the help I was given that I would be able to keep my son.

I never imagined I would find so much encouragement and acceptance from the ladies at the Women’s Center. None of the women were biased or judgmental in any of the choices they explained to me. Instead, they showed me that women have options. I would recommend the Women’s Center to other women because of the generosity, faith, love, and support they offer. No one should be alone in a decision that will impact their future. My son Bentley is now four months old, and I could never have done this without them!