My boyfriend abandoned me when I refused to abort

Motherhood is a special gift but being a single mother can be difficult. Women can feel lost and confused, raising children on their own while playing both roles; mother and father.

Worse still, it becomes heartbreaking trying to push for child support only to be abandoned by the one supposed to be responsible.

Regardless, there are women who have navigated through the tough times, developed a thick skin to society’s harsh judgement and are successfully raising their kids.

One such is Esther Amuge, a businesswoman. She narrates her experience;

He rejected me when I refused to abort

My journey of single motherhood started in the evening when my partner handed me abortion pills and water to swallow them. He had everything ready but I stormed out of the car with so many questions. I reflected on the four years we cuddled and laughed. I also wondered how I would disclose this ordeal to my family.

I was stressed for days but after, I gathered the courage and sent mum a WhatsApp message. She expressed her disappointment but promised to walk the journey with me and my family was supportive as well.

As if the fetus also understood the ugly situation at hand. I did not experience any cravings, morning sickness, or nausea throughout the nine months. It was a smooth journey and neighbours only realized that I was expecting when I was left with few days to deliver.

On May 31, 2015 Miracle was born. She was named by the nurses at Mulago hospital who had pronounced her dead but hours later, she shocked them when she shook her little pinky finger and was put on oxygen for two days. We were discharged a week later but three months down the road, we were back in the hospital with advanced hernia.

I reached out to baby dad but he bluffed at me to finish what I started. I sat helplessly but mum withdrew her savings and helped her grandchild. Miracle recovered and beat her milestones very fast; walking at eight months.

It has been tough but with the support of my family, I have stood firm and strong. There are days I cried and wished I took those pills but when I look at my baby, I smile.

I struggle with paying fees and basic needs but I push on because the grace of God is sufficient. Miracle will be seven on May 31.