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Something people don't always consider with abortion is what life that fetus, or embryo, could have had. In fact, it's just easier to not really think about what that unborn child could have offered to the world. How many potential scientists, teachers, athletes, doctors, artists, innovators, and public servants didn't get to share their talents? We'll never know.
If we consider some familiar people who were close to being aborted, it helps us realize the consequences of such a drastic decision. After all, where would we be without the talents of some of these individuals?
So take a look below to see who see who nearly didn't make it. And consider the courage of their mothers who went on to have their children, even if it called for a lot of sacrifice.
Celine Dion
When this Canadian singer's mom found out she was pregnant, she understandably felt overwhelmed because it was her 14th child. While she did consider abortion, she spoke with her priest who was able to guide her and offer her the support she needed. And what an addition Celine was! As a much-loved singer worldwide, she has brought so much pleasure to millions of people for many years.
Justin Bieber
The young hearthrob is only here due to his mother's fortitude. In fact at 17, Pattie Mallette found out she was pregnant and received pressure from people to have an abortion. "I just knew I couldn't. I just knew I couldn't. I just knew I had to keep him," Mallette shared with Today host Kathie Lee Gifford. "And, do the best. I -- you know, I didn't know how I was going to do it. But I just knew that I couldn't -- I couldn't abort. I had to do my best. I had to see what I could do. And I was determined to do whatever it took."
Well the young mother seemed to do a pretty good job, as many Beliebers would attest!
Andrea Bocelli
Can you imagine a world in which we never got to hear the dulcet tones of this famous Italian tenor? Well, Bocelli's mother was told by her doctors to abort her son because he would be born with a disability. According to Bocelli, his mom was hospitalized with appendicitis. As he shared in a short video below:
"The doctors had to apply some ice on her stomach and when the treatments ended the doctors suggested that she abort the child. They told her it was the best solution because the baby would be born with some disability. But the young brave wife decided not to abort and the child was born. That woman was my mother, and I was the child. Maybe I'm partisan, but I can say that it was the right choice."
Tim Tebow
The American football player's mother, Pam Tebow, suffered from amoebic dysentry, necessitating strong medication. Her health worsened when she found out she was pregnant. As Tebow explained in his book, Through My Eyes, the doctors considered him to be a type of tumor that had to be removed. Pam refused. She looked to prayer to help guide her, and the result was a healthy baby boy who has entertained millions with his incredible football career.
Steph Curry
Another sports hero is only here today because of his mother's faith. As Sonya Curry shared in her book, Fierce Love: A Memoir of Family, Faith, and Purpose, it was thanks to the Holy Spirit that she turned away from the abortion clinic. “God had a plan for that child. There could be no Stephen. If I would have gone through that there would have been no Wardell Stephen Curry II.”
Jack Nicholson
In 1990, the legendary actor revealed in an interview with The Washington Post in the 90s that he grew up not realizing that his sister was actually his mother. This impacted his own attitude towards abortion. While he claims to be pro-choice, he also stated that he was personally against abortion as "I'm an illegitimate child myself and it would be hypocritical to take any other position. I'd be dead, I wouldn't exist. And I have nothing but total admiration, gratitude and respect for the strength of the women who made the decision they made in my individual case."
The star is a father himself and stated in the same interview that he feels blessed to have his children.