Born Alive: The Miracle Story of an Abortion Survivor

Help Her Be Brave Podcast

“I was the baby who wasn’t supposed to live,” Melissa shares. Her story is a powerful reminder that every life has value

Melissa Ohden survived a failed abortion and has dedicated her life to sharing her story of survival, forgiveness, and purpose. In this episode of the Help Her Be Brave podcast, Melissa opens up about discovering the truth of her birth, reconciling with her birth mother, and using her experience to advocate for life.

‍

“I was the baby who wasn’t supposed to live,” Melissa shares. Her story is a powerful reminder that every life has value and that grace and redemption are possible, even in the most difficult circumstances.

‍

Through the Abortion Survivors Network and her advocacy, Melissa provides hope and healing to both abortion survivors and mothers, showing the world the humanity of the unborn.

‍

🎧 Listen to the full episode: Born Alive: The Miracle Story of an Abortion Survivor

‍

Resources Mentioned

Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: embracegrace.com/start-a-group
Get your free Life Support guide: helpherbebrave.com
Become a monthly partner: embracegrace.com/give-monthly

‍

No items found.

We are in this with you!

Find a place of belonging in a support group for moms with unexpected pregnancies or single, young moms and dads.

Read more Embrace Grace
stories

Grace

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Having a community of other single moms to walk alongside has been such a gift. Looking back, Embrace Grace didn't just support me through my pregnancy. It helped lead me back to Jesus.

Amanda

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

I walked into my first meeting expecting judgment, but instead I found grace. The leaders and mentors reminded me that my identity wasn't found in my mistakes but in Christ.

Rickiah

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

The day before I had a scheduled abortion appointment, I cried out to God and asked Him for a sign. Almost immediately, He answered my prayer through a video that reminded me every life has purpose.

Zulainey

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

The thought of raising my baby alone felt heavy, and I questioned whether I was strong enough for everything that was ahead. When I joined Embrace Grace, that began to change.

Hayley

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Because of Embrace Grace, I entered motherhood with more confidence and excitement than I ever thought possible.

Aniah

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Embrace Grace brought me closer to God and gave me the community I had been praying for.

Gladys

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

As I continued attending Embrace Grace, I met other women walking through similar situations, and knowing I wasn't alone became such an encouragement. Week after week, the group became my support system.

Shawna

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Instead of carrying everything by myself, I was surrounded by women who encouraged me, prayed with me, and reminded me that I wasn't alone.

Isis

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

When I found out I was pregnant, I felt numb. I was so scared and angry at God.

Mayana

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Most of all, Embrace Grace reminds me that moms matter too.

Deanna

,

Embrace Grace Leader

A quiet reminder that God is present in the details, often in ways we don't recognize until afterward.

Naomi

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

I was never shown more love in my life than at the baby shower Embrace Grace held for me.

Olivia

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

I can’t wait for my son to grow up knowing the same love and support that I experienced.

Georgina

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Embrace Grace came at the exact time I needed it.

Alysa

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

I had always believed in Him, but being in a community that encouraged me to stay rooted in my faith brought that relationship back to the forefront. I’m still learning how to balance everything, but I know I’m not doing it alone.

Aaliyah

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Through Embrace Grace, I learned who God really is.

Alyson

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Embrace Grace helped me see how much I needed God in this season, and it opened my eyes to a peace I didn’t know I was missing.

Abreya

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

I met women who had been through similar situations, and for the first time, I did not feel alone.‍

Ciara

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Embrace Grace helped me heal, grow closer to God, and believe that I was never alone. I will always be grateful for the love and encouragement I found here.

Alisabeth

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Embrace Grace helped me believe that my story is not over. It is just beginning.‍

Jansen

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Embrace Grace brought me back to Him and showed me what grace really means.

Gabrielle

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

My daughter saved my life. So did the women at First Coast Women’s Care, a Pregnancy Resource Center, where I was introduced to the Embrace Grace program.

Madison

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Madison showed up to her first Embrace Grace group session but was unable to walk into the classroom due to overwhelming anxiety about her unplanned pregnancy. One of the leaders sat outside the group to pray and encourage her. This is her on the last day of Embrace Grace. She is ready to step into motherhood with God leading the way.

Mary

,

Embrace Grace Leader

He has used my story to open the door to hope and healing for several of our girls and leaders.

Makenzie

,

Embrace Grace Leader

It's truly beautiful to see these moms, who initially came in worried, confused, or scared, grow into capable, strong women, accepting and loving the baby God has put in their lives.

Jayden

,

Single Mom

One thing Embrace Life has helped me see is that God always provides. Putting my trust in Him has opened so many doors of opportunity for me.

Alina

,

Single Mom

It's such a supportive environment. We've created true friendship with each other.

Bailey

,

Single Mom

My baby was unplanned by me but planned by God. He knew my child would save my life and restore my family.

Brooke

,

Single Mom

Embrace Life truly helped me grow in my faith and stay connected and grounded in God.

Suzanna

,

Embrace Grace Leader

God is doing miracles through Embrace Grace. Seeing God work in me and through my life every semester reminds me of how much I've overcome. This experience has been so rewarding, and I'm grateful for making me more than just a teen pregnancy statistic–He is using me!

Linda

,

Embrace Grace Leader

I've had so many beautiful moments serving our brave moms. When I allow God to work through me, the Holy Spirit lets me see each mom through His lens, and it's really changing me.

Lindsay

,

Embrace Life Leader

When I became an Embrace Grace leader, I knew nothing about how to lead a group. But once I started, I never wanted to stop. I'm leading my third group now, and even though life is busy, I really cherish Tuesday nights with my brave girls!

Robin

,

Embrace Grace Leader

I'm currently leading my seventh Embrace Group, and God reveals something new to me every semester! It doesn't matter how many times I go through the curriculum; there's always a revelation God gives me that pertains to my life season.

Joy

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

I'm so thankful to Embrace Grace for loving young single moms and caring for them the way God does.

Deshante

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Everyone I've met has been such a blessing in my life. Embrace Grace was everything I needed and more!

Desiree

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

Embrace Grace showed up for me and my children. I cannot imagine where I would be if I didn't have this amazing support network.

Shanese

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

When God said, "I'll take care of you," He already had Embrace Grace in mind. He worked out everything for my good.

Destany

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

I want my daughter to grow up in a household where you can always feel God's love. I plan to join the church and attend as often as possible, even after the semester ends.

Maddie

,

Mom with Unexpected Pregnancy

What I love most about Embrace Grace is that they didn't just care about my baby; they cared about me.

Join our email newsletter

About Us

Our Story Our Solution Newsroom The Podcast

Support

Contact Us Privacy Policy

Quick Links

Find a Program Start a Program Request a Love Box Shop

Donate

Give Now Join the Pro-Love Collective Login

©2026 All Rights Reserved | Embrace Grace, Inc. of 700 W Bedford Euless Rd, Suite G, Hurst, TX 76053, a non-profit charitable corporation organized under the Texas Business Organizations Code with exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Federal Tax ID number (EIN) is 45-5202711. Email contact: info@embracegrace.com

©2026 All Rights Reserved

Embrace Grace, Inc. of 700 W Bedford Euless Rd, Suite G, Hurst, TX 76053, a non-profit charitable corporation organized under the Texas Business Organizations Code with exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Federal Tax ID number (EIN) is 45-5202711. Email contact: info@embracegrace.com