Jennifer Burley
Jennifer was just 18 years old and nearing the end of high school, when she learned she was pregnant. Although this was not a planned pregnancy, Jennifer still felt joy when her doctor told her the news. However, no one else in her family shared this emotion. Her mother declared this her worst nightmare come true. The baby's father's mother was very upset, and Jennifer’s father simply said one word: Abortion. No discussion. Reluctantly, she followed through with his decision. Jennifer recalls that day as being an awful day, while alone at the clinic she questioned in her heart “Is there another way? Do I have to do this?” Just a short year later Jennifer attempted to take her life, and again was alone in the hospital with little support from her parents. Tragically, Jennifer also experienced the trauma of being raped, and Jennifer found herself spiralling into a deep depression which opened the wound of the abortion and she allowed the guilt and shame she felt to torment her. She hated herself; she knew God offered forgiveness, but she didn’t feel worthy. At 24 I became pregnant again. This time when her father said “Abortion!” She said “No! Not this time!” Jennifer sought help from a pregnancy support centre, and she chose to keep her daughter and become a single parent. All this time Jennifer knew God was watching over her, pursuing her and longing to restore her. God graciously brought her husband into her life, and he embraced both Jennifer and her daughter; they married just before her little girl turned 2. Jennifer sought very good counselling and medication for her depression. She has maintained a strong personal relationship with Jesus and is grateful to God for restored family relationships.

Lois Benham-Smith
Pregnancy Options Support – providing hope, compassion and information. http://atwellcentre.com