Heroic Pregnancies: Pursuing Dreams and Continuing Pregnancy (September ‘23)
Life radically changes after having a baby. There are a thousand new joys and little moments of happiness - the baby’s first smile, first laugh and first word. Our individualistic culture however also loves to point out the hardship of looking after a helpless little human. Facebook pages, movies, and other parents warn of the long nights, the noise and mess, and lack of freedom, which, for many couples, severely dampens the joyful expectation of having children.
This is taken to such an extreme, that if a young, single woman gets pregnant, she often feels like having the baby is a choice between her dreams, and a new life. Finishing school or getting a job suddenly seem to be impossible.
Life is obviously dierent, and in many ways, more dicult, and a supportive community seems essential for any new parent in raising a child, especially any single parent. Even with this community, raising a child and pursuing a degree or a career can be challenging. There are, however, countless inspiring stories of young women demonstrating heroic virtue and continuing to follow their passions and dreams and also continue their pregnancy. It seems in every story, however, every mother is most grateful for their baby. Kristian Fitzgerald, who had her son just after her 18th birthday, states “[her son] Tavin has actually taught me, too. I never knew I could love somebody the way I love him. I thought I knew what love was before, but...I can't even explain it. My whole life revolves around him.” Although many teen mothers may wish they had their child later, they do not regret keeping their baby, and find them to be a source of strength and love. Megan Antosh, from Wayne State University, states “Young mothers are some of the strongest independent warriors that walk this earth. When we embrace this and are proud of the strength we have acquired through our challenges as teen moms, we can begin to see our own worth and recognize that we deserve success, too.”
Generally, the statistics are bleak, and odds stacked against young mothers trying to graduate college or high school. Fewer than 2% of teen mothers graduate college before the age of 30. But teen or college age mothers are never truly alone. Crisis pregnancy centers and organizations like Students for Life are dedicated to helping mothers and saving babies. These groups provide practical help such as free diapers or other necessities, or emotional support, such as counseling services. Universities
like St Francis are also taking steps to help studying mothers, providing lactation rooms and a study room on campus with free childcare.
There is a role each of us can play in supporting mothers and giving them confidence and security in carrying on with their pregnancy and keeping their baby. Volunteering at your local pregnancy center, joining groups or donating to organizations like Students for Life can help young mothers in need, helping them to pursue their aspirations and keep their baby.
