WHEN 19-year-old Cindy (not her real name) first missed her period she brushed it off, thinking it was just stress.

But when she didn't get her period the second month, she knew she was pregnant.

"I was at my friend's house when I took a pregnancy test. I was very nervous but I didn't want to panic. When the test turned out 'positive', I was in shock. I did a second test and it gave the same result."



Cindy was working as a sales girl in a shopping centre when she met Alan (not his real name). They dated for over a year and were making marriage plans.
"I was convinced he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. So, when I found out I was pregnant, I was not so worried. I was sure Alan would marry me and we would live happily ever after. I was wrong.

"When I confirmed my pregnancy at a clinic, I called Alan to share the good news. I told him we should speed up our marriage plans as I was pregnant. The voice on the other end was not as excited as I had thought it would be."

Alan said he was too young to be married and had no intention of settling down yet. He suggested Cindy have an abortion and offered to pay for it.

"I was disappointed he didn't want to get married. But when I heard his suggestion to abort the baby, I was furious. I realised that Alan was not the person I thought he was. I cut all ties with him and told my parents about the pregnancy.

"To my surprise, they were very supportive. My brother had heard of Pusat Jagaan Birthright and suggested I go there."

When Cindy spoke to the New Sunday Times last week, she had just delivered a beautiful baby boy. He is now just over a week old.

"I have not yet named my son. I can't decide on a name. But, this I know. I made the right decision in keeping my child. I can't imagine what I would have done if I had listened to Alan.

"Now, each time my son smiles, I am reminded that I am stronger than I think. I don't know how I'm going to support him, but I know that I am not alone and that there are people out there willing to help."