I never really thought that we would get to the point where we would begin to talk about legalizing abortion, especially in an African country. Somehow, I always thought that we ALL valued life. In Africa, family is a big deal and children are considered a blessing. But how fast things are changing. As a nation we now find ourselves at the point where we have to defend human life. It really saddens me.
Starting this week, we shall begin to talk about abortion because it’s something that we have to start talking about especially as young people.
I am Pro-Life
Let me just begin by stating that I am pro-life. I grew up in a very conservative family and all my life I went to catholic schools so that greatly contributed to by views on abortion. However, 5 years ago, I came face to face with the decision of whether to keep my child or not. See, I got pregnant when I was 22 years. I was in going into my last semester of campus when I found out that I was 28 weeks pregnant.
How I did not know all this time is something only God can explain because I did not experience the typical pregnancy symptoms. But I remember being advised to have an abortion. In fact I was even taken to a popular hospital in Nairobi that offers abortion. Luckily for me, the final decision on whether or not I wanted to keep the child remained with me. That experience taught me that it’s only when you face difficult situations does your true character reveal itself. So after a sleepless night, I made the decision to keep my child. I have been in the situation that so many young women find themselves in and I overcame it and so can you.
What did I learn from this experience?
- When you find out that you are pregnant, immediately let someone know .
Don’t keep it a secret, because the devil will always make you feel like you have to make the deciding there and then without thinking of the consequences. The 1st person that I told was my nanny (imagine that) and she really encouraged me and immediately after telling her, I felt the pressure lift. If I hadn’t shared with her, who knows I might have changed my mind and procured that abortion.
On the same note, if your boyfriend is pressuring you to have the abortion, you may need to take some time off to think about what YOU want, so that you avoid being influenced to make a decision that you would otherwise not make.
- Don’t let your pregnancy define you
Despite that being a difficult season in my life, somehow God saw me through. 5 years later as I look back I realize that God saw me through what I though was the end of my life. So if you are a young pregnant lady contemplating abortion, I want to encourage you that this too shall pass. Have your baby, raise him/her and sooner than you realize that season shall be over. I went ahead to complete my university degree, graduated and I’m now employed. Pregnancy is not the end of the world.
- Ask God to provide
At the time I had no relationship with God but I remember telling Him that I’m keeping that child but He has to provide for her. And I can testify today that He had that request. My daughter has not lacked anything, she’s had nothing short of the best and it’s not because I have much but because of God’s provision. Even when I was unemployed, God provided for her. At one time, someone randomly provided 6 months’ supply of diapers. Trust God for provision for the child, if you hand it over to Him, you and your child will not lack.
- Look to God as the source
Don’t look to the father of the child as the source of provision, so if he leaves you because your pregnant, instead of thinking of aborting as an alternative, let God be your source of provision. He knew that that child would be conceived so He had a plan but a lot of the time we don’t ask for His help. Allow Him to step in as the Father of that child in place of the man who left. Look to Him for direction, provision and sustenance and you and your child will never lack
- Find a support system
I don’t even remember how I found this particular support group for young mothers but it made the journey into motherhood easier. Unfortunately the young lady who started the support group no longer runs it but shout out to you Fiona for the amazing work you did. This particular support group was made up of young mothers of between (18-24 years) and Fiona would organize events where we would meet up, hang out and encourage each other. I met some amazing young ladies in those forums and somehow it made the journey easier (I guess because there is strength in numbers). She even assigned us mentors who we walked with and those children are now all grown up.
If you don’t find one, you can always start one yourself. There is always a young mother out there looking for encouragement and direction. It can start with you.
- Give the baby up for adoption
If you really don’t want to be a mother, carry the child to term and give it up for adoption instead. There are many women out there who cannot have children and are willing to take in that child.
A few weeks ago, I took time off work to spend time with my child and on one particular morning I woke up and she was peacefully sleeping beside me and I told God thank you for giving me the gift of this child. They bring so much joy and happiness into one’s life. Being a mother, especially at a young age, definitely has its challenges but it is the most fulfilling job for any woman, at least for me it has been.
We cannot allow for abortion to be legalized because it is an attack on families. Killing one child translates into wiping out generations. The statistics are shocking, in America since abortion was legalized in the 1970’s over 60 million babies have been murdered. Can you imagine how many generations those are?
For the next few weeks, I’ll have guest writers share their experiences on being pro-life, working with women that have had abortions, or you have had an abortion. If you would like to share your story with me, please email me on thepreciousgem@yahoo.com.
Similarly, if you have a friend who has had an abortion, please reach out to them and ask them to share with me their story.
Let’s continue to speak about this issue even as this agenda continues to be pushed in our nation. God is counting on us to stand up, more so as young people, and begin to take a stand for life.
