Changing Lives: Opening the Door to Hope

The door slid open and she stepped onto the mobile unit, determined this was just routine–one step closer to the decision she had already made. As we began asking her questions she made it clear that she was determined to have an abortion. Her life was complicated and with already grown children, she did not have room in her life or her budget for one more mouth to feed. She was resistant to discussing alternatives. Her mind was made up. She simply came to us to confirm the pregnancy and prepare for her procedure.

As our nurses began her ultrasound, it became clear that what the mother thought would be a fetus less than 12 weeks along, was actually a baby closer to 20 weeks. The mother was shocked and did not want to look at the screen. Was she afraid that what she saw would confirm what she knew deep inside–that this life inside her was more than a mass of cells? It was her baby.

Our nurses took their time and eventually she took a peek at the screen. There she saw that sweet baby, with fully formed fingers and toes. She was even able to point out some of the baby’s features without the help of our nurses! She began crying and our nurses carefully and lovingly offered her hope amidst her difficult circumstances. This made all the difference.

As she left our mobile unit, there were still frustrating hurdles ahead of her. But she walked away with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. She had chosen life for the dear one inside her. She left making plans for her future and the future life of her baby.

Would you like to help us keep our doors open for moms like this one? Help us continue bringing hope to the moms and babies of Philadelphia by donating to our work.