I fell in love with my sweet 5lb. 12oz. little boy on April 14th, 2008.
I had my son when I was 20 years old during my sophomore year in college. Full ride, actively involved in programs and courses from my scholarships, I had a promising future.
I found out I was pregnant and quickly scheduled with my hometown Planned Parenthood in Saginaw. My boyfriend and I were so scared and ashamed – the protesters outside did nothing to help. It angered me how awful they made me feel.
The kind professionals inside helped me and my boyfriend breathe a sigh of relief. They took all the tests they needed to make sure I was healthy and my baby was okay. I walked in thinking I had to have an abortion and continue with my perfect life – I walked out knowing I had options and my little baby was well. They made sure I knew where to find a doctor and care for myself. None of our conversation surrounded abortions until I asked about them.
That was the first moment during that scary time that I felt comforted instead of ashamed. I felt like they cared about my health and well-being and looked at me as a person.
I made the choice to be a mother because Planned Parenthood helped me feel like everything was going to be okay and that my health mattered.
I can’t imagine my life without my perfect boy, and I can’t imagine a world without the caring folks at Planned Parenthood who take care of women like me every day.