April Horton

I always thought abortion was one of those cut and dry topics. You were either for it or against it. I was against it until I was sitting in my living room on a Friday afternoon researching options for the unplanned pregnancy situation I had found myself in. After a motor vehicle accident in 2012 that left me paralyzed from the lower ribs down I was told I probably couldn't have anymore children. Being a single mom of a spunky toddler already and in a wheelchair for the rest of my life, another baby seemed like the scariest thing. I knew the facts about abortion and I knew the effects it has on women's lives, but I was looking for something that told me it was ok.


I had just started working at the pregnancy center in my town as a work study through the college I attended. Imagine being a single mom already and working at a place that teaches abstinence and there I was single and pregnant. I had been there only a few months when I had to tell them I was pregnant. I thought about not telling them, I thought about hiding it but I knew it wasn't going away.  When I talked to the ladies at the pregnancy center about my pregnancy, they never looked at me like I couldn't do it. They didn't fire me or turn their backs and walk away from me they stayed true to their mission that they love every girl that came through their doors with the kind of love that only Jesus could have given. They offered encouragement and support. The pregnancy center was a safe place. A place to support me when I was terrified and felt alone.

I loved my baby but I was scared. I wanted my baby but I was afraid of how everything was going to work out. Fear is normal human response to something unknown. When I saw my daughters heartbeat on the ultrasound I didn't know yet that it was a girl or that her name would fit her so perfectly. I only knew that she was alive inside of me and that her life would be something great because she would be so loved.

Fast forward to now and I have the most beautiful baby girl who is an absolute blessing to me and all of those around her. I can't imagine my life without her now because She is such a light in my world just like her sister and she is here as a reminder that all life matters.