Claudine is Afraid – But Things Turn Out Differently

Complete uncertainty

Claudine would also like to discuss her situation with a competent but uninvolved person, so she looks on the internet for an agency, finds the SAMC website and contacts the helpline. She is soon in contact with a counselor, to whom she reveals her biggest worry – her financial situation. She is now just getting by with her full-time job. With a child, however, she would no longer have the same income. She is afraid of this, especially as her boyfriend’s income is very modest. He does not yet have a professional qualification, but wants to improve his financial situation in the long term. That is why he will soon be starting several years of training. He would not be able to support her during this time. Therefore, she is leaning towards having an abortion.

The counselor shows understanding for Claudine’s concerns and explains just how the SAMC can help her deal with them. A few days later, however, the pregnant woman announces that she has made an appointment to have an abortion. She would, however, appreciate staying in contact with her counselor.

Sensitivity and empathy

During a personal conversation requested by the young woman, she mentions, among other things, her concerns about the relationship with her boyfriend. She has heard of other couples whose relationship fell apart after the birth of a baby. Besides the financial problems, this bothers her too, especially because her boyfriend is even more in favor of an abortion now. What would become of her, if she would have to suddenly stand alone with a child and a small income?

The counselor now shows the young woman exactly what the SAMC would do, concretely, to help her begin life with her child. Possible changes in her living situation are also considered. She even discusses how her boyfriend could complete his job training with a child.

Claudine is thankful for this exchange and thanks her counselor for spending so much time with her.  She can hardly believe that the SAMC would really help her materially and financially for free.

A few days later she tells the counselor that she sometimes feels like she should keep the baby. She is, however, afraid of the future. The counselor reminds her of the ways that the foundation can help and tells her that she doesn’t need to feel guilty about accepting support from the SAMC. She also urges the young woman to listen to what her heart is saying, in addition to all the difficulties she is facing.

Now the young woman wants to withdraw from everyday life for a while and talk to her boyfriend about the whole situation in peace.

The courageous step

After the break in contact, Claudine lets the counselor know that she has decided to have the child. She has had a thorough discussion with her boyfriend. As a result, he now wants to keep the child too. It was a difficult decision for him. He is prepared to give up his education for the time being. Instead, he wants to look for a better job in order to improve the financial situation due to the child! Because, after her maternity leave, Claudine only wants to work part-time so she can be there for the baby.

The SAMC contributes financially to the purchase of the baby equipment. The young mother is delighted, but can hardly believe it. She expresses her heartfelt thanks.

The couple’s family is thrilled about the baby. It turns out that her mother will help with the childcare. As the pregnancy progresses, the boyfriend is increasingly looking forward to the birth. In the meantime, by living austerely, Claudine tries to save some money. She is happy for support, she says, but only wants to make use of it if there is no other option.

After Claudine has given birth to a healthy boy, she tells the counselor that the baby, she and her boyfriend are doing very well. She thanks her again for the help she has received so far. The SAMC will continue to support the new mother materially and financially for as long as she needs it.