I Was an “Unwed Mother”

Terri grew up in a small, rural community. Her first sexual experience left her pregnant. The whispering and finger pointing came from the most unexpected places — including her church. So she just stopped going. Even her boyfriend bailed, disappearing without a word. Feeling completely unprepared to parent, even at 18, she chose adoption and found a home for unwed mothers hours away from her family. She fully recognized her mistake but was told, “You got what you deserved.”