What seemed like a financial impossibility became a new beginning.
Suri, an international student from Africa, was studying at a university in the UK. Her studies were going well; she had made friends and had a boyfriend. Life was smooth sailing until she saw those two lines on a pregnancy test.
Everyone’s Answer: Abortion
When she shared the news with her boyfriend, his response was; “There’s no way you can raise a baby; you’re too young.”
His answer: have an abortion.
When she shared the news with her family back home in Africa, they were furious and stopped paying for her university and living costs. She was now in serious financial hardship.
The answer: have an abortion.
She shared the news with her friends.
What was their answer? Have an abortion.
Feeling Isolated and Desperate
Suri, feeling alone, scared and confused, went to the Women’s Welfare Officer at her university. She told Suri if she had an abortion, it may be easier for her to continue with her studies.
Suri felt discouraged, isolated, scared, and desperate but didn’t give up.
Finding Life Was a Turning Point
An internet search pulled up Life. She called. Life listened and provided her with:
- Space to talk freely and openly about her situation and the opportunity to explore all her options. Suri was able to stop, breathe and listen to herself and discovered she did not want to have an abortion.
- Support to find and access government funding for female African students.
- Assistance to arrange extensions and support from the university so that she could continue her studies while pregnant and after her baby was born.
- All baby clothes, equipment and supplies (mix of new and pre-loved items) free of charge.
- A grant from Life’s Gemma Fund
- Mediation with her family to rebuild their relationship.
In the face of an unexpected pregnancy with crippling financial stress, everyone around Suri either abandoned her or pushed her towards an abortion. It was the ‘quick fix’ option with the assumption that life could resume as normal afterwards. Suri’s persistence in finding someone who would listen and help her consider another path led her to Life.
Ongoing Support
Life opened up multiple avenues of ongoing support which enabled Suri to have her baby and thrive. Life’s Helpline Team helped Suri to find solutions to her financial problems, worked with her to get support from her university and provided a setting where she and her family could rebuild their relationship.
Suri had her baby girl, graduated from university, found employment and is thriving.
Suri’s journey shows us that even in the face of serious financial and relational problems there’s more than one way forward.
Suri Reflects
“Now I’ve graduated, earned my PHD, am in full time work, and have my daughter. She’s the best thing in my life. Times can be tough, but all problems have an answer if only you look for them. I wouldn’t be without my little girl.” Suri
Need Help?
If you or someone you know has concerns about finances and is facing an unexpected pregnancy, Life Helpline can support you to find and access assistance and advice to prepare and budget for the arrival of your new baby.
Save the details below to share with anyone who may need support in the face of an unexpected pregnancy*.
📞 Freephone: 0808 802 5433
💬Text: 0786 007 339
📩Email: help@lifecharity.org.uk
*Life can assist with finding and accessing monetary support but does not currently provide grants.
Share Your Story and Give Hope to Others
If you have experienced an unexpected pregnancy and had to juggle your finances, what things did you put in place to prepare for and manage financially with the addition to your family? Leave a comment below or email us at comminications@lifecharity.org.uk
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