A Teen Friend's Perspective

by Kristie Melson

What is Birthmothers®? I had heard it mentioned a few times, but did not pay much attention until Janet Cavett shared about it with us in my small group at The Fall Church's Cornerstone youth ministry. Janet explained Birthmothers® in detail.  But what made me really take notice was the opportunity to be a part of a new TeenFriend-initiative.

Building on my heritage

I grew up in a Christian home as the daughter of a Methodist minister, so I've seen God's love in action many times.  But once in high school I felt compelled to find ways to demonstrate my faith on my own õ to reach out and show God's love to others. I started to attend Cornerstone and became involved with inner city ministries at my church. Birthmothers® drew me in because it's a ministry that doesn't judge people or manipulate them. It's about listening and loving, which is what a girl facing pregnancy really needs.

Meeting teens on our own turf

Pregnant teens feel shame, embarrassment, and fear. A girl who went to school with my sister became pregnant. She didn't tell anyone until she was 7 months along, hiding under baggy clothes. Embarrassed because she had made a mistake that everyone could see, she was afraid of how people would respond. She finally told her family and friends. They were shocked, but soon accepted her decision to place her child in an adoptive family.

But not many girls have the support that she did. As a trained Friend, I give acceptance, help and hope.  I am supported by one of Birthmothers®' adult Friends, who stays in touch with me weekly whenever I am involved with a teen mom.

With a circle of Friends, teen moms have more reasons for hope for themselves and their babies.

Birthmothers® Building hope through adoption.™

Why We Exist
 Birthmothers® helps a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy overcome barriers to choosing life for her baby and facilitates adoption when a woman concludes it is in the best interest of her child.

Birthmothers® provides confidential, nonjudgmental assistance to any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Birthmothers® is currently focused in the northern Virginia area and Metro DC, with plans to expand to other U.S. cities in the future.
Copyright © 2006 Birthmother Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Birthmothers® logo is a registered trademark of Birthmother Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
Make A Donation Contact Us Home