The Agonies Of Un Unborn Child

Her name is Winigram, an eight month old child who had to suffer all sorts of tribulations in her mummy’s womb. I had to receive all kinds of chemicals released from the various drugs taken by my mother. Many women have been so cruel, brutish, and inhumane to us babies. You have in diverse ways trampled on our human rights and we drag you to the Supreme Court of ours and to ask you various questions and face trials for what you have done. I fight for justice for what I have been through and that of other babies. This is my story.

Winigram’s mother, Elsie is a 21 years old girl who lives in Adanu in the western part of Ghana. She is a graduate of Adanu Senior High School. She has as her aim to become a journalist. In view of that she had bought Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) forms to pursue her ambition. In consonance with her ambition, she chose Mass Media and Communications as an options in her carrier. A month to go to school, she finds out that she has missed her menstrual period. This is enough sense of danger ahead for Elsie. I’m I pregnant? She asked herself looking at herself sternly in the mirror. No, I can’t be….. Many questions began to throw themselves before her. What can I do if I’m pregnant? And what must I do having discovered that I’m pregnant? Must I tell mummy and daddy about it? No, I can’t let them know else I am dead. They know me to be a good girl and I can’t afford to lose such a complement. A pastor’s daughter is pregnant? Who is her husband? When was she married that we did not hear about it? No, I must do something to swerve the shame that stands right in my face and save the dignity of my family. I must become the journalist I have longed to be. These and many more troubling questions have entangled my mind. I can’t any longer think right. Besides, my mind is troubled like an angry sea that is trying to vomit something unusual it has swallowed. But who can be of help to me? Could my parents be of help? No way. I am not ready for the suffering they will inflect on me. I have to speak to Jane.

Jane had been the very friend in high school who introduced Elsie to Blinks. Blinks liked Elsie from the very moment he saw her. Upon proposing love to Elsie, she accepted his proposal with such an enthusiasm. Blinks is the one responsible for the pregnancy but he has not been made aware. He has also for a while now not set his very eyes upon Elsie, the girl he loves most. Jane, having received the news of her friend’s pregnancy tried to calm her down. She makes Elsie accepts that being pregnant wasn’t a big deal. She has been able to make Elsie believe that it wasn’t a big deal dealing with issue such as this. In fact, she made Elsie aware that she has been able to clear three consecutive pregnancies of hers. I can do it for you sister, Jane quietly assures Elsie and gave her a warm embrace. Early morning, Elsie met Jane at the point they had both arranged to meet. Jane handed over a bag full of drugs to Elsie. In that small bag are different kinds of drugs that Elsie’s doctor, Jane had given her. Jane had again assured her that everything was going to be alright.

Elsie went home with the small clinic she has received from her friend. Smile breaks on her face. She began taking the drugs as Jane has directed her. For three months now, the condition is still getting worse. The very thing she wanted to hide from the family, is now going to be known by everybody. She again sense danger ahead of her. Her parents are getting suspicious. Elsie behaves unusual, her mummy told pastor. Something is definitely wrong with our daughter. Elsie managed to escape her parents’ interrogations with beautiful lies. Elsie did not stop taking those drugs. She continued with the assurance that things were going to be better soon.

Its seven to eight months now and there have been no good news. My protruding stomach is selling the news of my being pregnant. Mummy and pastor are now aware. They have all buried their heads in shame. I feel disappointed too and can’t fellowship with my friends. Jane is no longer communicating with me as she used to. The baby already in my womb has begun fighting me. I am not comfortable at all. Things are getting worse and I feel it. I hear my baby’s voice right from my womb, calling me with all sorts of names. She is angry with me. I feel she is fighting for what I have done against her already. I don’t think I am going to have it easy with this baby when she is born.

Later, my parents finally agreed to let me for the first time to see a doctor. Upon conducting some scanning, the doctor assured me that I was going to deliver successfully. He assured me he was going to do everything possible to help save the baby. He has however mentioned to me that the various drugs I have been taking, in an attempt to abort the baby have affected her. The baby has only one hand, crippled, and her eyes are not straight as they should be. Now, within the eight month, Winigram was born. She has been born immaturely. She has been born with disabilities. She was not going to have it easy in a world full of competition. Already in the womb Winigram had undergone many sufferings and never got help. She has promised her mummy that she was going to drag her to court to answer various questions. Winigram is now 19 years and had dragged the mum to the supreme court of the land. She wants justice for what the mother had done to her in the womb.

This is the story of Winigram and the story of many unlucky babies. Yes, many young ladies when faced with such dilemmas would definitely choose their carriers over the unlucky baby. But you must note that the baby in your womb has a right too, and she would definitely demand justice for whatever happens to her or him in the womb. Always note that no matter the situation, the baby’s life is paramount over all kinds of ambitions. Besides, every ambition can be achieved after a baby is born. But a life lost cannot be gained back.

Again, in order not to get staged somewhere in the pursuant of your ambition, do not engage yourself in this boyfriend and girlfriend game for it could be dangerous. Also, let your parents be aware of any changes that occurs in your life. When you find out that you’re pregnant, seek the help of a health professional. Do not rely on the courtesy of your friend. Be the woman you want to be tomorrow by making the right choice today. Choose your ambition now and achieve it first before going on such an adventure. Be a good girl and be your carrier by choose rightly at each point in time. Remember that you’re your choices: hence choose wisely.

copyright@ EMMANUEL GRAHAM NYAMEKE AND WINIFRED TAYIE