I would have to say that I'm pro-choice. I believe every woman should have the right to decide what is best for her particular situation. Because not all solutions will suit all needs.

However, I personally could not abort and would not consider it as an option. And yes, I can speak from experience.

I was in a three year relationship with a live-in boyfriend whom I was sexually active with. We used condoms in the beginning of our relationship but discontinued using them as our relationship grew. I was also on the pill and had been since I was 16.

In May of 98, my menstrual cycle was over a month late so I decided to go to the gyno and have a pregnancy test performed. To my disbelief, it came back positive. My boyfriend, and the father, left me approximately 2 weeks later. I never saw or heard from him again. I imagine he just couldn't handle the responsibility.

At first I was determined to do whatever it took to be financially and emotionally stable enough to keep, and provide for, the baby and myself. I was also determined to do it without any government assistance. As I've always been a very proud person. I was working two jobs and going to school part time, all while pregnant. And I had to endure all this without any outside help from family or friends.

As more time went by and I became increasingly attached and bonded to the child I was carrying, I began to question what quality of life I had to offer to him. I had so much love for him that I felt overwhelming guilt about the meager environment I would subject him to. There was never any doubt that I could provide unending love and support. But what about the things that I always believed every child has the right to.

A stable home environment with two loving and supportive parents. Parents who, together, could provide for his financial needs. A supportive extended family such as aunts, uncles and grandparents. A life where he doesn't have to witness his mother struggle everyday to provide.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I loved him too much to let my selfish needs get in the way of what was ultimately best for him. Therefore, I contacted an adoption agency. And on the day after he was born, the adoptive parents came into my hospital room, picked him up, gave me a hug and kiss and told me thank-you, they loved me and goodbye.

He'll be four years old in February and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. However, when I think about how happy and healthy he is, I never once regret the decision I made. After all, that's what the main concern should always be. What's the best decision that will most benefit the child.