Last fall Kari Adams, a rising high school soccer star, was running up and down practice fields and approaching the seventh month of pregnancy before she found out she was carrying a baby.
Given her upbringing as a Catholic, Kari said, "I never thought of having an abortion," no matter how people would gossip or how becoming a teen mother would affect her soccer aspirations. On Jan. 13 the ‘Iolani School sophomore gave birth to a little girl, believing "God’s reason for putting put me through this" was to set an example for other teenagers who find themselves pregnant.
"Every baby should have a chance to live. There’s always going to be people who will help and support you," said Kari, who named her baby Klare Frances Adams, after saints Claire and Francis.
Kari’s mother, Camille Adams, said she was unaware that Hawaii law prohibits abortions after the 24th week (six months) of gestation unless the mother’s life is endangered, but told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that it wouldn’t have mattered to her family.
"We’re devout Catholics. Abortion is always wrong and it was never an option. We just want to get the message out there that there’s always another choice."
Mother and teen daughter both delivered their message at the 41st annual Rally and March for Life on Jan. 25 at the state Capitol, sponsored by Aloha Life Advocates.
Adams stressed that "family needs to help in a crisis." She said Kari’s pregnancy was a shock to everyone because even while several months’ pregnant, her daughter remained "skinny." A bit of weight gain had been attributed to cutting down on practice when she sprained her ankle in September; and her menstrual periods had always been intermittent, Adams said.
But in November, rumors at school found their way back to the teen’s mom. When blood tests confirmed the pregnancy, she and husband Kirk were disappointed that their daughter had sex outside of marriage, "but in this world everybody sins, and we have to forgive. Then we were excited to be expecting our first grandchild. God allows things to happen for a reason. … A lot of good is going to come out of this. We have this beautiful child that we love so dearly. To us that’s the bigger picture."
Kari’s three siblings, all former ‘Iolani athletes, have rearranged their schedules so that Kari could continue her school work at home and later return to school full time during the weeks following the baby’s arrival.
Her sister, Kirsten, who still lives at home, takes the night shift when the baby wakes, and plans to eventually enroll Klare in child care where she works.
Adams said her adult sons Kody and Kirtus, along with their girlfriends, have also stepped up. She noted that one of the girlfriends had a baby when she was 16.
Kari said that when she first found out she was pregnant, her initial thoughts were about soccer — how she wouldn’t be able to get more playing time on the varsity team — and breaking the news to her family and friends. Then she worried about what people would say.
"Usually, when girls my age get pregnant, people judge them more," she said.
While she has heard some unflattering comments, feedback has been positive from teammates at ‘Iolani and the Surf Hawaii Soccer Club as well as from classmates and teachers.
Kari said other girls have confided in her about abortions they’ve had. One girl, Kari said, told her that after seeing the support Kari has received, she regretted her decision to terminate her pregnancy. Kari said that girl had been afraid of being kicked out of school and that people would judge her. "She never told her parents because she wasn’t sure her parents would help her."
Kari hopes to one day pursue a career as a physical trainer but realizes her future might not include traveling or attending a mainland school. While college coaches have been asking to see her play, she may have to give up out-of-state trips.
"Now that she’s (Klare) here, she’s my No. 1 priority," Kari said. Even so, she added with a laugh that her grades have actually gone up since giving birth. "I want to make the point that I can do well in school with the baby. I don’t want to blame the baby for anything."
"The day Klare was born was a life-changing experience for me. When she was placed on me with her head on my heart, I realized that God has blessed me with a little angel that I can call mine," Kari said. "Now she’s my everything, my world and my heart."
