For over two decades, the Law Office of Madonna Finney has worked to build forever families through adoption. Over the years, we’ve helped countless women navigate unplanned pregnancy in Florida, and supported them through the adoption process. One of these women, Crystal, sat down with us for a brief interview that we’d like to share with you today.

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Madonna: Crystal, what lead you to make an adoption plan?

 Crystal: I was at a bad place. I had two young kids and was struggling to give them what they needed. I didn’t have a place for us to live in. I didn’t have a job. I didn’t even have a car. I was really struggling and I wanted her to have better than what I could offer.

Madonna: Why did you decide to work with our office?

Crystal: From the moment I first called, you guys were there for me. No one pushed me to give up my baby for adoption. I could tell you knew what you were doing and that you cared about me. You even helped me get to the doctor before I even decided about adoption. I still consider all of you my friends.

Madonna: What was the hardest part of your adoption plan for you?

Crystal: I think the toughest part of the whole thing was worrying about whether or not the parents would actually be good parents. But then I got to know them, I got to meet them, they came to visit me and then I knew I made the right decision. Of course holding her and then giving her to her new mom was hard but I knew it was I needed to do. I still get sad thinking about it sometimes, but I know I did the right thing especially when I see how well she is doing.

Madonna: What helped you get through the tough parts of adoption?

 Crystal: Everyone at your office helped me and once I got to know the adoptive parents, they helped me a lot too. When they came to Florida to meet me that really helped me by giving me some peace of mind. I’m also lucky to have a good friend who gave up a baby before and she helped me work through some of my feelings.

Madonna: What is the best part of your adoption plan?

Crystal: Knowing I did the right thing is the best part. Also getting to know the adoptive family I chose was pretty great too. At first, when you told me they wanted to talk to me, I was afraid. But they were so easy to talk to. Looking back I was in such a bad place when I found out I was pregnant but that turned around once I had a plan.

 Madonna: What is your relationship like with the adoptive family now?

Crystal: It’s great! God blessed both me and my baby with them. Every so often, we Skype together but mostly we text and talk on the phone.

 Madonna: Do you think you did the right thing?

Crystal: For me and my baby I know it was the best thing to do. I know I did the right thing. Maybe it isn’t for everyone, but if you have an unplanned pregnancy and don’t know what to do you should at least consider it.

Madonna: What would you like people to know about your decision to place your baby for adoption?

Crystal: That I’m not a bad person for giving up my baby, not to judge me. I found the best possible parents for her that I could and I know she is loved. I also want her to know that so I wrote a letter to her that they put in her baby book and I know they will explain it to her. When we Skype I always tell how much I love her.

Madonna: What would you like other women facing an unplanned pregnancy to know?

Crystal: There are other options out there besides abortion. Just check it out. It doesn’t cost anything and the decision is completely up to you.

Madonna: Crystal, thank you for your courage and love, and for sharing your story. We look forward to hearing more from you in the future!