This column is a look at the controversial choice made by a local couple. The name of woman and man included are kept confidential. The names used are aliases simply created for the ease of reading comprehension. This is to protect the individuals and encourage an open and honest discussion. Honestly this interview isn’t meant to slide your beliefs one way or another. It is an issue many have had to face and few have talked about.

In the fall of last year Michelle, 22, and her long-term boyfriend, David, 23, were faced with a decision that many find uncomfortable even having an open opinion about – either have an abortion or become young parents.

Michelle was surprised when her doctor called her and said she was pregnant. “I went in for a throat infection and had a blood test done,” said Michelle. “My first thoughts were shock, no, no, no, this can’t be happening, the test must be wrong. I didn’t want this to happen and I didn’t feel anything positive,” she said.

“I called David and told him.” Michelle said David had nearly the opposite reaction. At first he swore and couldn’t believe it was happening, but then he actually got a little giddy about the idea of being a dad and was both concerned and excited, she said.

“I, we, were careless and didn’t use any protection. We are young, I guess, and had been together so long. We were very comfortable with each other and nothing had ever happened before.”

The couple had been together for a few years but they both said their relationship was far from healthy and the two were actually in the process of separating when Michelle discovered she was pregnant.

“It created friction between us. He was pro-choice but wanted to keep it. We argued a lot and he said we were killing our kid, his kid ... he’s very open minded about everything but it was hard for him. After the decision was made he supported me through it.”

“I did something irresponsible and I felt that it would be even more irresponsible to keep it. I had already grown attached to it. It would’ve cost a lot to raise a kid. I’m about to get into the real world and it would hurt my career. Not many businesses will hire you if you’re pregnant they can’t tell you that, but they will find an excuse not to give you a job.”