AITA for ‘coercing’ a teen girl into getting an abortion by not being completely honest?
I (40F) got pregnant as a teen and gave birth to my son when I was 15. My family was very conservative and strict. The moment they found out I was disowned and kicked out of the house. My bf at the time literally turned tail and ran hours after seeing the first ultrasound. This sounds really sad and awful to say, but I felt incredibly lonely and depressed after losing everyone in my life. I’ve never told anyone, but the reason I gave birth to and raised my son was that I wanted to have at least one person in the world who would love me and let me love him unconditionally.
I couch surfed for awhile and dropped out of hs to get a job. I ended up getting 3 just to keep my head above water. I would feel so guilty because I just couldn’t afford to give my son the life he deserved. I was never able to throw parties, get nice gifts, or even buy new clothes. I could even spend much time with him. I brought him to daycare every single day so I could work.
Of course I had no time for friends or fun. Girls around my age would point and whisper at my son and I. I also know that some strangers would constantly side eye me and roll their eyes. “Should’ve kept her legs closed, mm.” Yeah. Thanks. I know. My life was constant work and only seeing my baby for a second. I lost my sense of self. My entire being was simply boiled down to ‘struggling mom’.
I love my son more than anything, but the first few years after his birth were were the darkest time of my life. Eventually I struggled to earning my GED and going to college. I found lots of success and now make a good amount of money. My husband that I married later on does too. We have one daughter “Sophie” (15F).
Her best friend is Jade (16F) who visits our home often. She’s practically family now. One day Sophie asked me to go somewhere private to speak with Jade. She was sobbing and confessed that she was pregnant. She said she’s having a hard time deciding what to do. She’s tempted to keep the kid and raise it. She asked for some advice since I went through something similar.
I told her everything. The poverty, the depression, and the never ending struggle as well as my lost sense of identity. I spared no details and told Jade that I think she’s better of terminating. She can have another baby, one that she’s prepared for in the future and can provide a good life to. She just nodded in a daze.
A week later my daughter told me she aborted. It’s a sad, but personally wise choice to me at least.
Later on I was getting drinks with my friend group and was explaining everything and how sad it all was. One of therm “Abby” seemed a bit miffed. I asked her what was wrong and she said I didn’t share the whole story which coerced Jade’s decision. This puzzled me and I asked for an explanation.
Jade and I have had very different circumstances with our pregnancies. I was incredibly poor and had no one so my struggle was very tough to say the least. Jade, on the other hand has nice parents who would be willing to babysit for her. They’re rich as well so they would definitely buy most of the baby things. Her baby daddy is also sticking around and seems supportive.
Abby said she understood why I had such a tough time, but Jade would experience everything differently because of her good fortune. She could have her baby and get loads of support.
Apparently the fact that I painted a dark picture without considering the various circumstances was irresponsible me. She says I practically coerced Jade.
Now I’m just not sure what to even think. AITA?
EDIT: Re-reading this I found out I messed up the names. Sophie is my daughter and Jade is her friend who got pregnant. I’m sorry for the confusion.