IN 2004, in the state of Georgia, a 16-year-old girl ran away from home. Finding herself pregnant and on the streets, she knew her parents would not want another child to care for.

This pregnant teenage girl had been adopted around the age of four, and her adoptive parents loved her. Then, they decided to adopt another little girl — normally a joyous occasion. However, when this second little girl came into her parents’ lives, she felt she wasn’t quite as important to them anymore.

With this logic, you can understand why she would not want to tell her parents she was pregnant, though her parents eventually found out. They wanted her to abort her baby and join the military, but if she decided to keep the baby, she would not be allowed back into her parent’s house. She chose to have the baby because abortion was not an option for her.

She ended up finding a women’s pregnancy center which provided her with a place to live and helped her get the care and support she so desperately needed. She decided she would not be able to take care of this child, so she chose adoption for her baby. At the women’s center they provided her with a stack of numerous families to choose from who wanted to adopt a child. She could choose a family for her baby girl. Out of this immense file of prospects, she chose a family whose first attempt at adoption had failed.

My name is Aeryn. I’m the adopted baby girl for whom my birth mother chose life.

My birth mother made two very difficult decisions: to carry me to term, and then to give me a fresh start in life with a new family. A family who could care for me, love me, and most importantly, train me up to know Jesus. I cannot express how grateful I am to her for making both decisions.

That’s why today, I can share her story and mine. If my birth mother had not chosen life, I would not be here. If she had not chosen adoption, I don’t know what my life would be like. But I can tell you this, I am so happy to be where God has placed me.

I am almost 17 years old now. I love my parents and my birth mom. I even get to see her on occasion. By her, I also have two half-brothers, and I have developed a relationship with them as well. My dad is a pastor, and my mom stays home to raise and homeschool me.

I am in my junior year of high school. I love to play the piano and guitar and have competed in many piano competitions. I have a dog named Buddy and a cat I love and am exceedingly thankful for my family and the wonderful life with which God has gifted me.

One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV).

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

For the past few years this verse has been my go-to verse. I work as a volunteer with Palmetto Women’s Center to spread the news that there’s a better option than abortion. Life. I’m living proof. Many people ask me why I spend my time fighting for the unborn, and I have a simple answer: If someone had not fought for me, I would not be here. So why would I not fight for them?

AERYN ADERSON is a homeschooled, high school junior. She has competed in many piano competitions. She has a dog named Buddy, and a cat named Bella. She volunteers with the Palmetto Women’s Center Student Panel. Aeryn lives in South Carolina, where her father is the pastor of Hopewell Presbyterian Church.