I was sexually assaulted when I was 23. He kicked my door in, beat me, raped me, and tried to kill me. I was able to escape to my downstairs neighbor’s apartment. She called 911.

Suddenly, there were two squad cars, an ambulance, and a fire truck. I was overwhelmed, numb, and scared. I would need a pregnancy test later, but right then all I could focus on was the trauma of being sexually assaulted.

At that time I was a paralegal, so I knew what had to happen next. I would have to give a statement to the police. So, I went ahead and wrote down everything that happened right away while it was fresh in my mind. I knew that if there was a trial, and I had to testify, I would be prepared. I focused on getting that done and tried not to think about how scared, guilty, and ashamed I felt.

A couple of weeks later, I was notified that the man who sexually assaulted me was arrested and finally in jail where he belonged.

Then, I  missed my period…twice.

Not only had I been raped, but now I was pregnant. I didn’t have anyone to talk to. I was so scared. I KNEW I could not keep this baby, but I also KNEW I couldn’t choose to have an abortion; it had a heartbeat. The only option left was adoption. So, I decided that was what I was going to do.

I talked to a few adoption agencies. I wanted the adoptive parents to be in another state, and I wanted an agency that had helped women in my situation. I found an adoption network that had relationships with other agencies in every state. I sent an email and waited for a response.

I was immediately assigned a birth mother counselor. She was the first person I talked to (other than the police, doctors, and lawyers) about being sexually assaulted as well as being pregnant. She told me about open adoption and that I had complete control of the whole process.

I got to decide everything, right down to the adoptive parents’ hair and eye color, and that they had to be musical and love animals. I finally decided on a fantastic couple. When they visited me, the adoptive father said, “This is the first time he is hearing our voices!” I knew in my heart I had made the right choice.

Soon after that, the trial began. When it came time for me to testify, I took out my journal and read what I wrote about being sexually assaulted. I concentrated on what happened that night and not the rapist sitting across from me.

His attorney tried to make me nervous, and he tried to harass me, but the prosecutor protected me. In the end, he was found guilty and sent to prison. I had won; he was gone.

I finally felt safe.

A couple of months later, I had the baby. The adoptive parents flew out immediately and waited for him to be born. I wanted them to hold him first, so the nurses cleaned him up and took him to them. He has been with them ever since. He is an amazing young man and is very happy.

Choosing adoption for my unexpected pregnancy was one of the best and most beautiful things I have ever done. Even though rape is horrible and should NEVER happen, something really good came out of it; I helped a couple’s dream of a family come true.

I could have let being sexually assaulted define me, but I didn’t. I knew one day I would be able to use what happened to me to show others that there is hope and they are NOT alone.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have anyone to talk to when I found out I was pregnant. I had to do everything on my own. But I believed that one day I would be able to use what happened and show other women that there IS hope and that they do NOT have to do anything on their own.

At Alcove Health I get to connect with women in many different situations. Some of these women are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and don’t know what to do. Some need STI testing. Some need a little help to provide for their children or to be connected with community resources.

At Alcove Health, you will find a confidential, comforting, empowering, and safe place where you can go through all your options. We want women to know that they can still achieve their goals, that there IS hope, and that they are NOT defined by anything that has happened to them, including being sexually assaulted.

Rape will NEVER define me; it was not the end of my story. I have done more than I have ever dreamed was possible. If you have been sexually assaulted and find yourself pregnant, I want YOU to know that neither of these define YOU. It is not the end of YOUR story.

Let us give you the time and space you need to begin healing. Here at Alcove Health, we will welcome you with open arms and absolutely NO judgment. We are here for YOU.

Call or click here to request your free and confidential medical appointment and options consultation. Reach out today.