When I found out I was pregnant, I felt a mix of fear, confusion, and sadness. I knew I could no longer support another child. I already have three kids — ages 10, 1, and 2 — and one of them has autism. I am the only breadwinner in our family. I lost my regular job due to a company cut-off, and now I only have a part-time job. Most days, I live paycheck to paycheck, and there are times when my income isn’t even enough to cover our basic needs.

I knew another child would push me beyond what I could handle. Even though it broke my heart, I had to make the most difficult decision of my life — to let go of this baby and terminate the pregnancy. I simply could not afford to raise another child — not financially, not physically, and not mentally. I was already drained from my daily battles, juggling motherhood, work, and emotional exhaustion all on my own.

Yes, I have a partner, but he slowly changed — he became selfish, irresponsible, and addicted to gambling. He doesn’t have a job and rarely helps me. If I had someone to help care for my children while I worked, I would have left him long ago. Unfortunately, I have no one else. There were many moments when I felt completely alone. My partner has been struggling with his own issues, and most of the time, it’s just me keeping everything together for our kids.

When I found out I was pregnant, I was already at the end of my rope — emotionally, mentally, and financially.

Thankfully, I found Project 486. I may just be one of the many women they’ve assisted, but to me, in the middle of that darkness, they truly became my light. They guided me with care, never judged me, and reminded me that I still had control over my own choices.

 

 

Project 486 helped me more than words can express. They stood by me through one of the hardest moments of my life — especially Dr. JJ, who constantly checked on me and guided me every step of the way. No matter what time it was, he was always there to monitor me and make sure I was safe and supported.

And no — they never forced me to go through with the termination. In fact, they even encouraged me to continue the pregnancy if I could. What Project 486 does is educate women — they teach you how to make informed, safe, and responsible decisions without judgment. Through their compassion, I realized that even when life feels unbearable, there are still good people willing to help without asking for anything in return.

Even though my partner was in the house during the process, he stayed in another room with the kids to keep them away. I only called him when I needed help. Throughout it all, Dr. JJ was there — virtually, but with genuine care and compassion that made me feel I wasn’t alone.

 

When everything was over, it was my partner who helped clean up. When he came out of the bathroom, I saw his red, puffy eyes — I knew he had cried. I think that moment made him realize what we had lost, and I’ve seen small changes in him since then. He’s slowly going back to the person he was before his addiction and issues. Maybe he feels guilt, or maybe he finally understands the weight of his choices.

It’s only been a few days since everything happened, but I’m holding on to hope. I hope this becomes a lesson — not just for me, but for him as well.

Through all the pain, I am still standing. I’m learning to forgive myself, to heal, and to be stronger for my kids. I know I made the decision out of love — love for the children I already have and the life I’m still trying to build for them.

My Message to Other Women

To all the women who are going through what I went through — or are about to go through it — please remember that you are not alone. You are not weak, and you are not a bad person for making the decision that you felt was right for you and your family. Life sometimes puts us in impossible situations, but choosing to protect your own well-being and the children who already depend on you is an act of courage and love. Choosing what’s right for you and your family takes strength, not shame.

There will be days when the guilt and sadness feel heavier than your body can carry, but please hold on. You will heal, slowly but surely. One day, you’ll look back and realize how strong you were for surviving something that could have broken you.

Don’t be afraid to seek help — from kind souls like Project 486, who truly understand. They will support you, respect your decisions, and make sure you never feel abandoned.

And to anyone who’s scared or unsure — Project 486 is a group you can truly trust. They will never pressure you, judge you, or leave you alone. They will educate, guide, and support you no matter what decision you make. I’m forever grateful to them for being with me during one of the hardest moments of my life.

To My Fellow Cebuanas

Ayaw mo salig anang mga tambal nga ginabaligya sa Carbon ug Colon, ha? Dili na tinuod ug basin makadaot pa ninyo KAY FAKE MEDS NA. Mas maayo gyud nga mangayo mo’g tabang sa Project 486 — kasaligan sila, tinuod, ug mutabang gyud bisag unsa pa inyong desisyon. Dili mo nila pasagdan. 💛