L’s Story

Last year, my life took an interesting turn.

I am 23 years old, single, young and beautiful, or so they say. I found out I was pregnant and thus began the most difficult and confusing time of my life.

The father of the child was upset with me for getting pregnant and objected to my keeping the baby. He urged me repeatedly to have an abortion. Without too much thought I agreed and went along with his wishes. I went to the abortion commission to receive official approval to end the pregnancy.

I passed the commission’s requirements (not surprising at my age and being single) and the committee sent me to do ultrasound check to determine the age of the fetus. I went by myself to the appointment.

When the nurse showed me the heart of the fetus, just like a small pea, I was so touched. Finally I realized that there is a life that I carry within me! I spoke with the doctor who warned me of the numerous dangers of having an abortion at this stage of pregnancy. I decided to also meet with a social worker at the hospital who helped me organize my thoughts regarding having an abortion. Everyone was very helpful, kind and compassionate.

After meeting with them, I decided to tell my sister, who in turn, told my mother.  My mother wrote me a text message that said : “I kept you in my belly when you were a baby, now its your turn”.

I left the hospital and headed back home. During the trip I called my boyfriend and I cried my heart out to him. He kept trying to convince me that we don’t have anyway to care for an unplanned child.

Two days later a girl named Shani called me from the Save A Jewish Baby/EFRAT organization. It turns out that my mother had called them and told them about my situation.

Shani was a godsend, a true delivering angel sent from above. She spoke with me for well over two hours, she guided me through the labyrinth of my feelings and helped me find the answer to what I truly wanted amidst all of the external pressures. We decided that three of us, Shanie, myself and my fetus were going to fight for my baby.

I went through hell and back!

My decision resulted in shouting, threats, humiliation, my boyfriend even went to such lengths as to enlist strangers to called me in order to tell me why I should go through with the abortion. Most of them were simply his friends pretending to be strangers. I told them all to go to hell. No one in the world will tell me what is best for me and my baby.

For six months I went back to live with my mother who generously took care of me with endless love and devotion. She had to leave her job and spent her time worrying about us every day, hour after hour . During this time the harassment continued as did the humiliation attempts and the phone calls.

Towards the end of the pregnancy my “boyfriend” decided that he had a change of heart and was willing to be there for me and the baby.  We got back together.

But it was just another ploy.

He gave me hell. He did everything he could to torment me at any given moment hoping that I may miscarry. But my baby, like his mother, is a fighter and clings to me in spite of all the difficulties. He gave me the strength I needed to get through this ordeal as well.

Saving the best for last, I went through the seventh level of hell during the birth itself. I decided not to involve the father at all, after what he put me through. I had gone to the hospital several times with false labors, following which the birth-father continued to torment me, so much so that I was hospitalized with pain and my pregnancy was at risk.

The birth itself was also a difficult one. The recovery took a month but felt like an infinity. My mother was there through the whole process. With her loving hand and hugs, she took care of me and the newborn and never left for a second!

SAJB/EFRAT was there during the entire pregnancy offering care and support, and I am eternally grateful to Shani for her kindness and infinite support. She showed me true love and caring.

Today I am able to embrace my first-born, my little Prince thanks to her. He has my last name. Thankfully he got my looks and my spirit.

When I thought about all that SAJB/EFRAT did for me, I decided to give back and now I volunteer my time to speak with young, beautiful women and girls who are struggling with the thought of having an abortion. With the support of SAJB/EFRAT, I have already helped save three babies!

I don’t regret it for a second! I gave up someone who was not for me, and in return received the greatest love of my life. And even though I’m raising him on my own, I am proud that I am able to do that.

What I tell all of the women I talk to is what I learned for myself through all of the hardship: Don’t forget for a second – this is your baby.