I was sixteen and thought I was madly in love. We had been dating for three years.

I was so stupid, he beat me almost everyday. My parents pretty much knew but I denied it. I thought he beat me because he loved me so much. It was my sophomore year when I found out that I was pregnant. I, like many scared teens, hid this from my parents. My boyfriend was happy. The beating ALMOST came to a stop, they weren’t as severe anyway. I was 21 weeks when my parents finally found out. They were furious. The next day, I got up to go to school (my father took me) like always but we never made it to the school. My parents actually drugged me that morning. I fell asleep in the car and woke up in labor at a hospital three hours from my hometown. Three days later, I returned home. My parents never discussed it with me again and I never discussed it with anyone either except my older sister. Shortly after that, I left him. Thank God.

Today, I am 33 years old with two beautiful children, an 11 yr. old boy and a 3 yr. old girl.  I am married to a wonderful man who really does love me the way a man is suppose to but I feel so guilty about my other child. I know in my heart that it was a girl. The guilt is so deep that I have never even told my husband. I feel hurt and betrayed by my parents who obviously think they have done nothing wrong.  Every year though on March 25, my sister and I spend time together.  She always waits for me to bring it up, and then she just listens and cries with me.  I did not choose to have an abortion, that decision was made for me, but the pain, 17 years later is still there.

I just want to let both young girls and parents know that there are other options out there. Many families want to adopt!