25 Mar Unexpected
We sometimes meet with an “abortion-minded” or “abortion-vulnerable” client very early in her pregnancy–before six weeks have passed since her last menstrual period, and before we could see a heartbeat on ultrasound.
From the time she makes her appointment, days before she steps up into Ruth’s welcoming living room, we pray for her (“Ruth” is the name of our mobile unit).
As we meet with her, verify her pregnancy and attempt to discuss her options, we often see that she is resolute–determined to have an abortion.
After our appointment, we continue to pray for her, uncertain what she will decide.
One young woman who came to us recently had thought through her decision. She reasoned that she was thriving in her first year of university, that she would never want to disappoint her father or shock the family with an out-of-wedlock pregnancy.
As she spoke our hearts broke: “This is not the time for me to have a baby. I’m a Christian, and I’m pro-choice.”
Her boyfriend of four years had driven hours to be with her for the appointment. He appeared devoted to her, and possibly less certain that abortion should be their solution.
It was too early for a six-week ultrasound.
Thankfully, they stayed to talk with us. They planned to marry and then have children. He hoped to be a preacher one day. No, neither of them read their Bibles.
Our advocate began to ask the “tough” questions: “When do you believe life begins?”…”How will you feel about your abortion a decade from now, when you realize you may have had an amazing 10 year old child?”…
“Here’s what God says about when life begins: (reading from Psalm 139).”
The couple left; they told us they would talk over whether they might come back for an ultrasound the following week.
We didn’t hear from them. But we prayed.
Weeks later, we learned the young woman had had an ectopic pregnancy.
Our advocate texted her.
The young woman shared that they had decided to have their baby. Now, ironically, they were grieving this unexpected loss.
She said she would like to speak more with the advocate, but a little later when she has recovered from her surgery.
And we continue to pray for her.
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