Kelly's Story

I am a single mother with two wonderful daughters. I also work and help women at an abortion clinic. I see young girls who are not ready to be mothers, I see women who have been raped and abused by their husbands or partners. I see older women who are mothers of teenagers and not wanting to start over again. I just wish that people would stop the judgments. I believe everyone has the right to their opinion but not to judge. I love my children and I also believe in the right to parent when it is right for you.

My first abortion experience was frightening but I came through it better and stronger. At that time I decided I would try and help in anyway I could. My second abortion came after the birth of my oldest daughter. Looking at her and deciding to terminate another pregnancy was hard. The harder choice was keeping the pregnancy and being unable to provide for that child as well as the one I already had. The funny thing was I was on birth control and got pregnant anyway.

My second experience was so much better thanks to the women at the clinic. They made me feel comfortable and supported. A few years later when I saw that they were hiring I decided I wanted to be a part of their family. That was four years ago and I enjoy every day I get to help support and care for a woman who is going through one of the toughest times in her life. I don't think any woman takes this decision lightly, just knowing that someone is there and understands can make all the difference sometimes. I hope that all women know that they are championed for every decision they make in their life and that all decisions made by them, for them, only empowers them and those are things no one can take from you.

Kelly
May 2003