The article written by Carolyn (Koestner) was filled with slander, hate and discrimination against women in need.

Have you ever been faced with a unplanned crisis pregnancy? Did you have nowhere to turn and no one to talk to? Were you scared, alone and hopeless, not knowing what to do?

I have, and this is my story.

My name is Kailee Perrin, and in 2008 I was faced with a crisis. I found out I was pregnant, and I was only 18. During that time I was heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol and using every single day. My new boyfriend, whom I just moved in with, was an addict as well and sold drugs for a living.

I know you’re probably thinking, “They must have an abortion. That baby doesn’t deserve to be born in that kind of situation and put in our overflowing foster care system. Abortion is the best answer for this problem.” That’s exactly what we thought, too.

I spent several nights tormented, not knowing what to do and being so afraid of making the wrong decision. I was HOPELESS. I had no one to talk to but my mother and nowhere to turn. Everyone seemed to tell me what I should do, but I struggled in making a decision for myself.

My mom got the number to a pregnancy resource center, and we decided I would make an appointment to talk to someone. I had no idea what a pregnancy center was or what they did.

When I walked through those doors, I felt so afraid and ashamed. I met with one of their counselors, and immediately I felt safe and at peace there.

She began talking to me and listening to me and my situation. She went through ALL of my options with me, and we discussed each one throughly: abortion, adoption and parenting. She made it very clear to me this was MY CHOICE and that they would be there for me whatever decision I made. The pregnancy center empowered, educated and equipped me to make a decision that wasn’t based on the fear I was feeling because of the situation I was in. NEVER once was I coerced into a certain decision. NEVER once was I lied to or deceived in any way. I instead was loved right where I was at, given hope in the midst of my dark situation and was made to feel empowered to make the decision I truly wanted.

I chose life for my daughter that day. My mom has even said I went in filled with darkness and left filled with a light. I was given HOPE!

Not only was the pregnancy center there for my crisis pregnancy, but they counseled me and walked me through my addiction issues. They helped me every step of the way to become the mom I wanted to be but had no idea how to be. They supplied material items to help with my baby, including diapers.

I had my daughter in 2008, and it was the best day of my life. My drug dealer boyfriend decided he wanted to be a dad and get a real job to provide for us and support us, and the pregnancy center was always open to helping him, too.

We got married in 2010 and got sober. I have been completely set free from drug addiction and alcoholism since then. I just celebrated nine years of sobriety. My husband and I have four children now. Life hasn’t always been easy, but the pregnancy center has been there for us every step of the way. We have a beautiful family because they were there.

Today I am a national speaker, and my daughter whose life was saved through the work of the pregnancy center and I travel and share our story all over.

Pregnancy resource centers are crucial to our communities. They seek to HELP women and families. To equip healthy families in our communities to be the best they can be.

Our communities are filled with people who are hopeless, addicted, struggling financially, with mental health issues, and they have nowhere to turn. Pregnancy resource centers are there for them. All of their services are free of charge.

They’re not coercing people. They’re not a devastation to our communities. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. Why on earth would we discriminate against a place offering true help to those in crisis and in need? Why on earth would anyone be against them helping others, especially when we live in a time where so many people are hurting and need support and help? Why wouldn’t we want a safe place for people to turn to?

It sounds to me like you, Carolyn Koestner, are a danger to the community and a danger to women who’re in need. I speak up on behalf of the countless women and families who will be helped because the Adirondack Pregnancy Center will be established. This community needs a place for people in need to turn to. This will be a safe place for women and families in need. Their help goes beyond counseling and pregnancy services. In my case, it saved my very life. I will be forever thankful pregnancy centers exist today!

I proudly support this new center and am excited to speak of the great things that will come because of them!

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Kailee Perrin lives in Oneida.