I was a drug addict for 9 years, and couldn’t take care of myself or a child, so when I found out I was pregnant, all I could think of was, “how do I get rid of it?"

Get Rid Of It

Mentor

Melanie and her mother came into the Center one winter morning, carrying a proof-of-pregnancy document from the Health Unit. After she had filled out her Request for Services, I led her into our intake room to get to know her better, and to see how we could help. I found out that at 25, she was living with her parents, unemployed, and the father of her baby had told her that he never wanted to see her again. I asked, “what was your first reaction when you found out that you were pregnant?” She answered, “Get rid of it.”

Melanie

I was a drug addict for 9 years, and couldn’t take care of myself or a child, so when I found out I was pregnant, all I could think of was, “how do I get rid of it?” Once my parents and siblings knew that I was pregnant and my immediate plans, they intervened. My married sister who lives in a nearby state volunteered to adopt my baby. With my family’s support, I chose life for my baby, and wanted all the help I could get. The Health Unit recommended Choices Pregnancy Center, and my mom and I showed up one Tuesday morning.

Mentor

Melanie’s family was very supportive of her choice to place her baby for adoption, and wanted her to have a healthy pregnancy. Melanie enrolled in classes, and started coming every week. She also enrolled in our optional Bible study, and was coming back to the Lord after some years of wandering, having accepted Christ as her Savior as a child.

"I needed help, but was also afraid that people would judge me for my poor choices."
Melanie

When I was in my early twenties, I had cervical cancer. I had been treated, and was cancer-free for three years, but had fallen into drug and alcohol abuse. When I knew I was pregnant, I was very afraid that the drugs and alcohol had affected the baby. I needed help, but was also afraid that people would judge me for my poor choices. I found none of that at CPC. The staff supported my adoption choice, and didn’t judge me because of my past. They encouraged me to stay on the right path, and prayed for me and with me.

Mentor

She was always cheerful, always said she was “peachy.” But we knew there were hidden fears. When tests and ultrasound exams were done, we found that the baby was fine, and progressing normally. There was great relief all around, and much grateful praise to God.

Melanie

I learned all about the little human that was growing inside of me. I was a smoker, and didn’t want to quit, but when I found out from my classes what cigarette smoke did to the baby, I quit. After class, I would shop for clothes for the baby and clothes for me, for diapers, wipes, socks, blankets, sleepers, bibs. I would send these things on to my sister, who was getting very excited about having a new baby in the house.

Mentor

Melanie’s courageous choice to place her baby for adoption also came with some conflicting emotions. As the pregnancy progressed, she would go through various transitions, from loving the baby and imagining herself as the mother, to telling us that she hated kids, and being glad she didn’t have to raise one. These emotions are normal, and we helped Melanie navigate her feelings and continued to pray that she would stay on the right path.

"I learned all about the little human that was growing inside of me."
Melanie

In April, I learned that the baby was a girl. My sister let me name her, and from then on, it seemed so much more real. A little while later, I had trouble getting to class. I wasn’t driving, and my mom had other responsibilities.

Mentor

We made frequent phone calls to Melanie, hoping she could work out a way to get to class. We could have prepared her for labor and delivery. However, keeping in touch let her know that we were still praying for her, and would love to help her in any way we could.

Melanie

I spent a very hot, uncomfortable summer, and when my doctor became concerned about my blood pressure, my labor was induced. I ended up having a csection, but my perfect daughter was born on her due date, September 3.

Mentor

We saw Melanie at our annual banquet, shortly after her baby was born. She was her usual cheerful self, still happy with the decision she had made to choose life for her baby!

Melanie

I made the hardest choice any mother could ever make. I wanted my daughter to have anything and everything she could possibly need and/or want, and she has that. I don’t have to worry about her because I know she is safe and loved very much. I am very happy with my decision to place my child for adoption, for CPC, with their support, understanding, and care.

Final note

After the baby was born, Melanie found work at a local place of business, and has risen to management level. She has frequent contact with her daughter, and knows that she has a happy life. Melanie is grateful for the love and care she received at Choices Pregnancy Center.