Tara was 18 when she found out she was pregnant. As she felt the world crumble around her. She knew right away she was getting an abortion. She wasn’t mentally and physically prepared to be a mom. She had her whole life ahead of her, including her dream of going into film.
On top of that, her feminist views in her mind convinced her that abortion would be an okay option. These obstacles against her, including her and her boyfriend Ray's relationship gave her a pathway toward her choice. Tara was a scared teenager with no support, so she turned toward Planned Parenthood. At the time, Ray was selling drugs and disappearing, not giving Tara support.
With the decision in mind, she turned to planned parenthood counselors who acted like saviors. But as she was driving to her abortion appointment, she suddenly felt a flash of peace and joy. She was filled with happiness, a childlike joy filling her insides. It spoke to her, and she realized it was God. She turned her car around and drove home.
She embraced her pregnancy through the good and bad. She was still angry at the world; she thought her life was over, but she knew she was in. Tara’s friends abandoned her in her darkest moments, and as she felt alone her college professor told her future was over. “Why don’t you get an abortion?” many asked her. At her breaking point, she cried desperately out to God.
God heard her SOS, providing her with hope in the darkest part of the storm. She turned to the gospel, drinking up verses. That’s where she looked upon Mathew 6:25-33 which pushed her forward: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
The days passed, and one day God provided. She heard about Sisters of Life who provided her with hope and a sense of safety. Talking on the phone with them felt so different from the pressuring voices of Planned Parenthood.
Sisters of Life asked, “What is your story?” With the weight slowly lifting off her chest, Tara told them her story. Sisters of Life asked a simple question again, this time asking for her address. A week later a truck showed up in front of her house with almost brand-new baby supplies. Almost everything was included from baby diapers to strollers. The support was amazing.
“Planned Parenthood wouldn’t have done this for me,” Tara realized. The differences between the two establishments were vast. With new enthusiasm, Ray started to change and push through high school. Tara’s due date was fast approaching – she pushed through her biggest fear: giving birth.
Her baby girl Phoebe arrived, showing Tara the miracle of children. It is so worth it, Tara perceived. Phoebe, Tara, and Ray became a family through thick and thin. Tara knew God was with her every step of the way. The lies of Planned Parenthood preyed on her when she was most vulnerable, and she would never forget it.
Tara spent a blissful time with her baby Phoebe, and it was time to go to college. It was very difficult, as she had to balance school and motherhood. During times, she brought her daughter to class with her. Tara was able to graduate and achieve her dreams. Now she is a 22-year-old who works hard with two kids. While her kids sleep and play, Tara works on editing videos. She now knows it is possible to achieve her dreams while also parenting.
Tara recognized the support she always had in her darkest moments and embraced motherhood. God sent out an army for Tara, rescuing her. She is so glad she never got the abortion and realizes God is within her. She held on to God, even when it was dark and dreary. She worked hard, explored her faith, and realized God’s love. Tara now speaks out against Planned Parenthood. On top of that, she has an Instagram, called 180.Shift, that is dedicated to spreading the truth to the young generation. She tells others, “Don’t have the abortion. Don’t have the abortion. It’s not worth it. Don’t let Planned Parenthood play you; don’t make the biggest mistake of your life.”
Pro-Life Global believes that Tara’s story is powerful and has the potential to help other students facing similar challenges, as it is a story of choosing faith over fear. Pro-Life Global counters the efforts of Planned Parenthood Global through equipping young leaders to save lives, launching pro-life teams in schools and universities. Pro-Life Global currently serves leaders in 10 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.