For a few seconds after my mother said she could not congratulate me for “defying God’s will,” no one moved.

identifying information about me, my pregnancy, my clinic, or my child. The church organization came under financial review after my father’s complaint. My mother was ordered to stop all direct and indirect contact.

When the judge finished, my mother turned toward me.

“Mariana,” she sobbed.

I did not look away.

“I love you,” she said.

I wanted to say it continue reading …