“Rachel’s” phone call was similar to many we receive at the Crisis Pregnancy Centers. Her quiet voice was asking if our center could provide an abortion or a referral to an abortion center. One of our trained counselors listened, prayed, and provided factual information. As a result, Rachel scheduled a pregnancy test and ultrasound appointment for the next day.
When she arrived, Rachel continued to state that an abortion was her best option. After all, she already has a one-year-old child. She and her boyfriend are having problems and neither of them has a job that pays well enough to support their child. Also, Rachel was certain her parents would be angry to learn she was once again pregnant.
The ultrasound revealed an active 18-week-old child – Rachel was farther along in her pregnancy than she had thought. Rachel had already had an abortion a few years earlier so she was familiar with the physical risks and the procedure itself. But as she looked at her baby and spoke with her counselor, Rachel tearfully admitted she was devastated after her abortion. She listened intently as the counselor explained other options including adoption and resources available to help her if she chose to parent this child.
Rachel left the Crisis Pregnancy Centers still convinced that abortion was the best choice. Our counselor followed up with phone calls and sent letters inviting Rachel to bring her boyfriend with her for another ultrasound so he could see their child and they could discuss options together. Rachel never responded.
Five months later, Rachel called the Crisis Pregnancy Centers again, asking to speak with her counselor. She wanted to let her know that her son was due later that month. A few weeks later, Rachel walked back through our doors carrying her two-day-old baby boy. She had come to pick up a layette and talk again with her counselor.
Rachel told her that even though she had never responded, the follow up from the Crisis Pregnancy Centers had convinced her that we cared about her and her circumstances. She went on to say that she and her boyfriend were now living with her parents and they were thrilled with another grandchild. Her boyfriend had received a better-paying job and they were now looking for a place of their own.
Although there are still many life issues to be resolved, Rachel seems open to continuing conversation with her counselor. She is so grateful for her counselor’s objective advice and the respect she has received at the Crisis Pregnancy Centers.
Rachel’s story is just one example of how the Crisis Pregnancy Centers is planting seeds of life and love into the hearts of women every day. We invest the love of Christ into the heart of every young woman who walks through our door – and we know that God Himself will cultivate what we are faithful to plant.
Won’t you invest today into the life of another young woman like Rachel? Please follow the link below and give a gift that gives another confused young woman the compassionate, comprehensive help she needs to choose life – for her and her unborn child!
