Stuck with Hepatitis

When life throws unexpected challenges your way, it’s easy to feel stuck. For many of the young women I help through Project Cuddle, life’s struggles often pile on top of each other. One of the toughest situations that many women face is dealing with a serious health condition during pregnancy, like Hepatitis. This can bring fear, confusion, and sometimes, a sense of helplessness.

I’ve seen this firsthand. Take the story of Jane, a 33-year-old woman who came to us in the middle of a crisis. She had already fought and conquered the demons of drug addiction, but now she faced something else: Hepatitis C. Despite her recovery, she still had to navigate the difficult realities of her health, her past mistakes, and her fear of the future. For Jane, the road ahead was anything but clear.

A Life of Challenges

Jane’s life had been tumultuous. She had three children, each one born into difficult circumstances. Jane had a history of drug abuse, which started at a young age. As a result, her first two children were born with complications, with one even suffering from Hepatitis C. These past experiences weighed heavily on Jane’s heart. She was afraid of history repeating itself.

As I sat with her, listening to her story, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of her fear. Her body had already been through so much, and now she was pregnant again. But this time, the stakes were higher. The baby could be born with Hepatitis C just like her second child, and she didn’t want to put another child through what her first one had gone through. But there was more to it. Her boyfriend, who was in prison, had a violent temper, and she feared his reaction when he found out the truth. This was a secret she couldn’t share with him, or anyone else for that matter. She was trapped in a web of fear and uncertainty.

Confronting the Unknown

Jane wasn’t sure what to do. She was due any time, and she hadn’t received any prenatal care—another product of her past fears and choices. The doctor’s visit we arranged for her felt like the last chance to find a solution. She was scared, unsure of what would happen, but she knew one thing for certain: she couldn’t continue living the way she had.

At the doctor’s office, Jane’s worst fears were confirmed. She tested positive for Hepatitis C. This was a blow for her. She knew it meant complications for the baby. But what she didn’t realize was that with proper medical care and attention, the child could still be healthy. The doctor assured her that Hepatitis C wasn’t necessarily a death sentence for the baby, but that it would require a lot of care and monitoring once the baby was born.

But Jane was still stuck in a cycle of fear. She didn’t feel equipped to handle another child, especially one that might need specialized care right after birth. She knew she would face judgment from her family, and she couldn’t bear the thought of losing custody of another child. She was trapped between wanting to do the right thing and fearing the consequences of that decision.

Taking Control

The decision to place a child for adoption, or as I prefer to say, to provide a future for a child through a family willing to take them in, is never easy. It’s especially hard for a mother who has struggled with addiction and has seen firsthand the painful impact it can have on a child’s life. Jane knew that her choices weren’t ideal, but she also knew that continuing this pregnancy might not be the best for the child.

The weight of her health issues, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the fear of being judged kept her from reaching out for help. But with time, she started to see that the decision to place her baby with a loving family was not a defeat—it was a chance for her child to grow up in a safe, supportive environment. This realization didn’t come easily, but it was a powerful turning point for Jane.

The Struggle to Let Go

I remember the day Jane called me, telling me she had made up her mind. She had chosen a family for her baby—three families, in fact, who all had similar backgrounds, all interested in providing a loving home for a child. I could hear the relief in her voice. It was a hard decision, but one that brought a sense of peace to her.

Her biggest fear was the health of the baby. What would the future hold for this child with Hepatitis C? Would they face complications? Would they be loved and cared for no matter what? The families who had expressed interest were all aware of the potential challenges, and each one had the strength and love to support the child through any difficulties.

But even as Jane made this choice, she still feared the future. Would she be able to cope with giving up her baby? Would she be able to live with the consequences of that decision? In the end, it was not the fear of giving up the baby that hurt the most, but the fear of never knowing if she had done the right thing.

The Moment of Truth

Finally, Jane went into labor. She had chosen a family—Betsy and Richard, a couple who had been unable to have children of their own. They were eager and loving, and they welcomed Jane’s baby with open arms. Jane had decided to have a cesarean section to ensure the safety of the baby, and the doctors and the family were there every step of the way.

After the baby was born, Betsy and Richard held the little girl in their arms, tears streaming down their faces. Jane looked at them and felt a sense of peace. She had given her child the best chance at a good life, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she had done something right.

Moving Forward

It’s been a few months since that day, and I’ve stayed in touch with Jane. She’s clean and working hard to rebuild her life. Her daughter, who was named Sunshine by the Reagan family, has grown healthy and strong, and has tested negative for Hepatitis. Jane is doing better than I ever could have hoped, and I’m proud of the progress she’s made.

Jane still has moments of doubt, but she’s learning to trust herself again. She knows that the hardest part was giving up her baby, but the most rewarding part is seeing Sunshine thrive with a loving family.

I often think back to the day when Jane and I first spoke. She was so afraid, so lost in her own pain and fear of the future. But she made it through, and so did her baby. And every day, Jane takes one step forward, learning that sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones that bring the most healing.

Update

Jane and Sunshine are both doing wonderfully. The Reagan family continues to thrive, and Jane has reconnected with some of her family members. I’m amazed at how much has changed since that first day. There’s still work to be done, but Jane has taken control of her life, and I couldn’t be prouder.

If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy and feels overwhelmed or unsure about what to do, please know that you’re not alone. Here at Project Cuddle, our dedicated team is here to offer compassion, guidance, and resources to help navigate this challenging time. We’re just a phone call away, ready to listen and provide support without judgment. Reach out to us anytime—we’re here to help you find a path forward with dignity and care. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for you and your baby.

Tune in next month and there will be more to come.

Hugs & Cuddles.

-Debbie Magnuson The Baby Saver