Clementine - Planned Parenthood

clementine’s story
From patient to mother to Planned Parenthood advocate,
Clementine Karl comes full circle.
EVERY PATIENT WHO COMES TO A CENTER
at Planned Parenthood of the Heartland has a
personal, unique and sometimes heart-rending
story to tell.
Clementine Karl is no different.
At age 4, her mother tragically died, and Clementine
was put up for adoption. Her adoptive family
turned out to be nothing short of a nightmare. Physical,
emotional and sexual abuse followed. By the time she
was 21, she was an emotional wreck. And pregnant.
“I was suffering from severe depression, I had just been
laid off,” Clementine said. “I knew I was in no shape to
bring a child into this world.”
Clementine turned to Planned Parenthood
for help.
“I had no money. I didn’t know how I was going to pay
for an abortion. But the counselors at Planned Parenthood
told me they would help. And they did.”
She remembers the caring staff who didn’t pass judgment
on her.
“They were so professional, so sensitive and so kind.“
And Clementine won’t forget. Today, she continues going
to Planned Parenthood.
“Even though I have insurance now, it’s my way of giving
back,” she said. And if that completed one full circle,
the birth of her son, Dashiell, completed another.
“When I was ready to have a child, I used Planned Parenthood’s
prenatal services,” Clementine said. “Planned
Parenthood has been there for me. I will be there for
them.”
4 PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE HEARTLAND