I was 29 when I chose my first abortion. Another followed as my life continued to darken. Then the Lord sent a messenger of His love and grace to me, and I began to walk with Jesus into more light and life. With a small group of women who had abortion histories similar to mine, I began my healing work through a study that became the book "Forgiven and Set Free.” At the end of that group, the Lord revealed to me that yes, I had killed my children, but they were safe with Him. His forgiveness and His profound comfort have formed the bedrock of my experiences of His love and faithfulness to me.

-P.S.

Never tell me the odds! I was an unplanned, dangerous, high risk pregnancy who would never have been allowed to live if my birth mom had listened to the usual reasons people give for having an abortion. The pregnancy could have killed her, but it didn't. I shouldn't have lived full term, but I did, and with no health complications. She couldn't take care of me, so she put me up for adoption. It had to have been scary for her, but she decided to give me a chance at life. Every time I talk to her now, I say thank you. My life may not be perfect, but she gave me a chance to put my mark on this wild, crazy world and I'm grateful for that.

-C.D.

I was raised by a godly mother, and I knew God had called me into pastoral ministry, but I resisted that call for over 10 years because of the baggage I carried from my early years of wild living. While there are many things from my past I now regret, one of the most significant is knowing I was complicit in ending the lives of my first two children. Fortunately, when I met the woman I would eventually marry, I re-dedicated my life to Christ and received the forgiveness he offers to all of us when we surrender to Him and confess our sins. Yes, I live with much pain and sorrow over my choice to end the lives of my children, but as with all sin, God is using that pain, and the grace found in a repentant heart, to draw me towards those who may be following in my footsteps. It is my desire to extend the offer of hope and forgiveness found in Christ to those who may be seeing abortion as an easy fix to an unplanned pregnancy just as I once did.

-Pastor D.C.

For 51 years, I have lived with the horrible truth that my first pregnancy ended in abortion. My choice was made in fear, rejection, and selfishness. Today women and men are still making the same choice for the same reasons. It’s a choice made in darkness to avoid taking responsibility for personal actions. My story is no different than theirs. Thankfully, God has lifted me out of that dark reality along with the grief, guilt, mourning, and emotional emptiness it caused. His forgiveness and never-ending love and mercy have given me the strength to reach out to others who have had abortions or are considering an abortion. No one needs to experience the pain of abortion.

-C.T..

In 1974, just after Roe v. Wade became the law of the land, I became pregnant. When I told my husband, he simply said, “When are you going to get rid of it?” I was devastated! I knew in my heart it was wrong, but I was scared and estranged from my family because of my lifestyle. The clinic was clean, said it would be simple, but afterwards I felt completely empty emotionally and spiritually. Feeling worthless, my life spiraled down an even darker path. Thankfully, God redeemed me and has shown me how much He loves me and how worthy I am. He is a God of restoration, redemption, and renewal. I know my baby is safe in His arms and waiting for me. After 30 years, He has given me a voice to share my story to give other women His hope! And He blessed me with a precious daughter and five grandchildren.

-C.C.