Choosing Life

On a Sunday afternoon, St. Elizabeth|Coleman received a phone call from a volunteer counselor at a Pregnancy Resource Agency who had been working with a teenage girl who was seven months pregnant. The 16 year-old girl, Theresa, lived in a small Hispanic community where her father held a significant position within their church. Because an out-of-wedlock birth would be a disgrace to her family, Theresa had been hiding her pregnancy from her parents and others. The young girl feared for her life if her father were to find out about her pregnancy. So, Theresa expressed an interest in placing her child for adoption.

Theresa had a very limited support system during her pregnancy. Thankfully, her Birthmother Counselor, a small handful of friends, and the high school staff provided her the support she so desperately needed and deserved. With the help of St. Elizabeth|Coleman, Theresa had a new support system and was able to receive prenatal care and counseling. Theresa safely delivered a healthy baby boy at a local hospital where she was able to meet the adoptive couple. 

Months after her delivery, the Birthmother counselor continues to provide counseling and support to Theresa on an ongoing basis. Theresa has returned to her normal school activities and is looking forward to graduating from high school. Updates about her baby from the adoptive couple are treasured by young Theresa, who remains pleased with her decision to choose life and place her child for adoption. She is very happy to know her baby is well taken care of and loved by the adoptive family.

For more information about the services and programs of St. Elizabeth|Coleman, please visit GivingBirthToHope.org.