Liz Carl, a senior at the University of Louisville, was raped at the age of 17. As a result, Carl became pregnant and decided to give birth to her child instead of choosing to end the pregnancy. Now, she is spreading her story to audiences like the one gathered at Northern Kentucky University on Nov. 10.

“It made me feel shamed. It made me feel disgusted, but I think the worst thing for a rape victim, is an abortion,” Carl said. “Every woman is strong enough to love her baby, and to not kill them. It’s a (travesty) that a child must die.”

Carl, then a senior in high school, attended a college party where she met the man who would later drug and rape her. Though Carl was in a tough situation, she turned to adoption.

She now travels the world, educating people with her story. Carl has been to the United Kingdom and has attended many other seminars, as well as speaking to colleges across the nation.

Carl still visits her son, Brayden, and his new family.

“It was worth it. My son was worth it. And if every woman knew what that felt like, then there wouldn’t be any more abortions,” Carl said.

Rachel Boone, the treasurer of Northern Right to Life, the group hosting event, said the purpose of having Carl speak to students was to raise awareness and educate students of their choices and options, rather than to abort.

“We try to educate people and keep the debate open. And give everybody insight and the experience of someone who has actually gone through it” Boone said.

Former president Jeanne Beckman, agrees.

“I believe that everybody has the opportunity to choose life and every child has the opportunity to life,” Beckman said.

“Adoption is wonderful. Awareness needs to be raised and it is truly a beautiful option. It has a positive effect and the option of a woman keeping her child and keeping her dreams,” she continued.

Northern Right to Life is a student-run organization that seeks to raise awareness of options.

They also discuss life issues, human rights and seek student that they can help.

“We make them feel welcome and affirm their choice,” said Beckman. “We’re here to show people that there can be a happy ending.”

Story by Tabitha Peyton