2012 conventions 2012 election 2013 session 2013 special election arts arts and culture author ballot measures bomb books budget bullying business charlie hales children clackamas climate change coal courts crime culture culture club democrats drugs economy education environment family film fluoride food gay rights guns handguns health health care health insurance high school history housing immigration international internet kitzhaber law legislature lgbt literary arts living marijuana medicine mental health military minor parties mohamed mohamud movies music native americans news newspaper obama olympics oregon our town parenting pers photography police politcs politics port portland portland business journal portland mayor president prevention public safety religion republicans rnc romney rural salem sam adams sandy hook schools science shooting sports suicide supreme court taxes television terrorism theater third parties timber payments transportation union university of oregon violence washington water wildfire women

I was a freshman in college and 18 years old when I found out that I was 6 months pregnant. Although I was a successful student and active in the community, I had never felt so much judgement and shame in my life. With my baby, I did decide to follow through with an open adoption. Although I felt that this was a smart and the right thing to do, when I told people that was what I was doing individuals thought it was there right to comment rudely on my decision. On the other hand, the father was basically given a free ride, and was treated as though he had nothing to do with it.


Now I see my son often, and just three weeks ago he was ring bearer in my wedding. I am glad that I chose adoption, but it was the hardest thing that I believe anyone can follow through with.

I hope that this program helps the community to realize that teen moms are not stupid and careless, but are often thoughtful and smart individuals.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
view in context