In 1975 at the age 17, I was faced with an untimely pregnancy. I was afraid of the baby’s father and his drug habits so I did not tell him. My parents were going through a divorce so parental guidance was not available.

Terrified and alone, I entered the Social Services building in Westminster, MD. I was unaware of any other places that I could go to for assistance. I was a shy, naive child looking for someone to care, help, and advise me. I was assigned to a case worker. The advice she gave me was that the only sensible help for me was an abortion. I cried as she told me I had nothing to offer my child and would not be a good mother. She was cold, nasty and to the point. After listening to her I felt worthless and as low as ever.

Since I was too far along for what they called a “normal abortion” they said I would have to have a saline injection. I went to the abortion facility in Baltimore where they injected needles into my stomach several times. I felt like I was on an assembly line, cold and numb. The procedure was attempted twice and failed.

As I announced I would keep my baby to the case worker she was angry. She provided me with additional negative advice suggesting adoption, since I would be an unfit mother.

After the horrible experience at the abortion clinic I found a nice doctor. It’s funny to me now that her name was Dr. Lord. She was kind, gentle and encouraging. She talked, listened and cared. I had a healthy baby boy. This would be my only pregnancy as I was unable to have any more children.

After hearing a representative speak at my church, I became a volunteer at Tender Care. I did not want women to suffer as I had. I want women to cherish the value of that one child which may be their only child. Tender Care empowers women to make better choices and live not just for that moment but for a lifetime. Moms and dads are loved and encouraged. They are provided with resources to establish healthy habits for them and their babies.

Sorting clothing for the material assistance program and packing personal care bags for moms, I think of how much that would have meant to me in 1975. Tender Care is an irreplaceable asset, providing unconditional love and support to all who enter their doors.