But that's not going to happen. So instead I will add my own experiences and ideas to the discourse.
My Story
Over 18 years ago I was date-raped. The nightmares lasted three years, but the child I became pregnant with is still alive and kicking. She's now a healthy, alive, and smart 17 year-old looking forward to high school graduation and life at Louisiana Tech.
My minister told me to get an abortion. He said no decent man would ever marry me if I had that child. That statement really hit me wrong and I said, "If I have to kill a child to attract a 'decent' man, then I will go without a 'decent' man. And I have.
A friend and a physician also told me to get an abortion, that I'd never be able to raise a child by myself. I said I would try and I have.
It actually has been harder than I thought it would be. Many Christians, pro-life and all, treat single parents like dirt. Its like we have a contagious disease that they don't want to catch or their children to catch. I thought that I would find friends among Christians who would admire and support me for bringing a child into the world in difficult circumstances, but that didn't happen except for friendships with three families. I was naive.
And I'm still surprised. There are so many pro-life supporters in Louisiana. I thought that they would like me. I didn't have an abortion. Instead, rather than getting to know me, a person who shares many of their values, they assumed the worst about me and rejected me. Isn't that shallow? I still shake my head in disbelief.
Socially, I do spend a lot of time alone. I enjoy charity work. My latest project is returning to the Box Poject as a sponsor. I substitute teach, as well, as go to graduate school for teacher certification. Most of kids know that they are welcome to come to my house. My announcement is usually, "For those of you who don't know, if your daddy beats you real bad or your mama won't feed you, or some other set of bad circumstances, you can come to my house. I have extra sofas you can sleep on and there's always red beans and rice. Its not fancy, but you are welcome. I don't come here just for the money, but because I care about all of you."
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