In order to embrace her pregnancy, she needed to conquer her fears. Nelly, her patient advocate, would walk along with her during her pregnancy. They met once a week to talk about her pregnancy and her relationship with God. It was a process but Stephanie got the courage to tell her friends and church family about her pregnancy. She was surprised that everyone was loving and supportive when she told them her news. No rejections, only encouragement. That May, baby Emerson was born. - Stephanie

This young mother felt caught between her financial constraints and her personal convictions. She said it was a scary place to be. Cindy sought the help of RealOptions. At RealOptions, Cindy was able to receive an ultrasound to confirm her pregnancy along with a consultation on her options. According to Marissa Flores, one of our patient advocates, “Cindy needed someone to come alongside her to love on her… She was willing to pray with me and seemed really happy that prayer was an option to bring her problems to a powerful and loving God.” 

The prayer was powerful! It led Cindy to the realization that she had other options, including adoption. Our RealOptions team was able to explain the different types of adoption: closed, semi-open, and open adoption. Open adoption appealed to Cindy when she learned she would be in the driver's seat by choosing her child’s adoptive parents, deciding if she wanted to have them involved in the birthing process, and that she could remain a part of her baby’s life.

RealOptions referred Cindy to an adoption agency. Their team of adoption professionals remained by her side through the adoption process. Cindy invited her daughter’s parents to cut the umbilical cord. “It was a time of intense heartache and of indescribable joy! …The baby that I was carrying for nine months was not going to be taken away but given a better life.”

Marissa really respects Cindy for choosing to place her daughter for adoption and called her a true hero. “Cindy was able to look past the heartache and pain of adoption to make a decision for her child.”

Cindy has told us that “I gave her a life. I gave her a choice... I gave her to a couple who really wanted children but, unfortunately, could not have kids of their own. That’s the best part. …There is a void but the Lord has filled it. I gave life to my daughter and through the adoption experience, my daughter has given life to me.”

Feeling under pressure and stressed, Jose was thinking about leaving Carolina. But after reflecting on his own absent father he realized that he wouldn’t let that happen again. He wasn’t sure how they would support the child, but he would break his family’s cycle and would stick by Carolina’s side. Jose’s resolve was tested when he lost his job. Money dwindled and they were forced to move four times during the pregnancy. Sadness set in and Carolina began feeling alone. She lost faith, stopped attending church, and stopped praying. At this low point, a coworker handed Jose a RealOptions card. When Carolina went to a RealOptions Obria Medical Clinic she immediately felt supported and loved. Not only did she receive medical help and maternity clothes, but Carolina also found something she had been searching for someone to talk with. Patient Advocate Donna Hecke, knew what to say. As her pregnancy progressed, Carolina’s confidence and faith grew. Carolina gave birth to a daughter. Against the odds, a family was born and dreams were rekindled. Carolina enrolled in high school and graduated. Four years later she graduated from San Jose City College with an associate degree in accounting. After graduation, she set and accomplished another dream when she opened her own business office. Business blossomed and so did their family when Carolina and Jose welcomed a son.

Watch video testimonies from our Pregnancy Loss Healing Program

Everyone grieves differently and there is no one "right" answer for how to cope when impacted by abortion, miscarriage, and pregnancy loss. We offer a safe, and compassionate place to explore the complex emotions of loss, provide tools and faith based strategies, as we build a community of hope and connection. Hope Support Groups, and Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats are open to all who have been impacted directly or indirectly by abortion, miscarriage and pregnancy loss. To learn more go to: https://www.realoptions.net/hope

Hear what students are saying about our education program.

Our mission is to inspire, educate, and mobilize young people to build a healthier future for themselves, their families, and their communities. To learn more go to realoptions.net/education/