Michelle's Story                     

At the age of 16, I took a home pregnancy test and found that I was pregnant. This could not be, I was a sophmore in high school and a baby before graduation and college was not apart of my plans. Just to confirm that I was pregnant and to be able to talk to someone; I went to a local pregancy center. When I walked into the center I had no idea of what I was even going to do. I was afraid of what my mother and step-dad would say if they were to find out. At the Women's Clinic, I was given a pregnancy test. While I was waiting for the test results, the counselor and I went over my options if the test were to be positive. I considered abortion as a quick fix and possibly a way out without my parents even discovering that I was pregnant. Although, after hearing about the different abortion procedures and the possible complications, I decided that was not for me. The counselor also went over fetal development and I was shocked by what my baby looked like at eight weeks and what it was able to do! According to the information and pictures she had about developing babies, my baby had a heart beat, brain waves, fingers and toes! No matter how fearful I was, I could not end the life of an innocent baby. My test was positive. I was pregnant. The nurse at the Women's Clinic then was able to do a fetal ultrasound and give me the opportunity to look at the life growing inside me. Also, by having the ultrasound she was able to give me a due date and referrals for WIC, Medical Assistance and possible housing for me while I was pregnant. They even offered to help me tell my parents and my boyfriend. I did tell my parents I was pregnant, but at that point it was almost unbearable to even stay at home with them. At first we yelled and argued about the situation, then we did not speak at all. I ended up going to a maternity home about 50 miles from my home for the rest of my pregnancy. It was difficult being away from home for the first time in my life, but as time went on things got better between my parents and me. My boyfriend only contacted me once during my first month stay, then I did not hear from him at all. The maternity home had a counselor who continued to help me look at the goals I had set for my future and how a baby would work into those plans. As time went on, I decided the best thing for me and my baby was to place her for adoption. This way I could go to college and become a nurse like I was planning on doing and she would have a mother and a father. I was a bit sceptical of adoption at first. I worked with the adoption worker and made an adoption plan. I was so surprised at all the prospective adoptive parents profiles I was able to view. They were actual booklets with photographs and information about each couple. They had information about why they were looking to adopt a child, their extended family, photographs of their home, and what their careers were and even if they had a pet and if so, what kind. There was so much information it was difficult to decided which couple to pick, but when I saw Tasha and Allen's profile, I knew they were the parents for my baby. I got to meet them personally at the adoption agency and ask them anything I desired. The adoption agency took care of everything legally. They even contacted my boyfriend, Mark, and had him sign off on his parental rights so the adoption could take place. They had me name my baby and write a letter to her that she would be given when she was old enough. I also got to pick out the outfit that she would wear when her new parents saw her for the first time. I had grown close to my house-mom at the maternity home. She was there for support me through most of my pregnancy and even was there when I delivered my baby. I asked her if she would represent me at the ceremony when my baby would be handed over to her adoptive parents. She said she would be honored. Later she told me how special it was being there when Amy was presented to her new parents. She was even able to take photographs for me. Amy's new parents were there as well as her grand-parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. It was quite the celebration. My house-mom told me there one thing that she will always remember. When Amy was placed into her new father's arms, how this large burley man broke down into tears, because he finally had the baby that he had asked God for. It has been five years now. I continue to get photos of Amy each year, usually at Christmas. I did finish high school and went on to college and I almost have my nursing degree. My parents and I have a stronger bond from going through this together. I don't regret my decision at all.