“I Was Scared…”

Halima* timidly knocked on AlphaCare’s front door. She was visiting our office for the very first time for a pregnancy test and ultrasound. When we last spoke to Halima on the phone to schedule her appointment, she still hadn’t taken a home pregnancy test, and the gnawing suspicion that it would be positive had only discouraged her from doing so.

AlphaCare’s office in West Philadelphia.

As Ann Marie, our Nurse, welcomed Halima into the exam room to get her appointment started Halima revealed that after putting it off for as long as possible, she had finally taken a home pregnancy test. Why would someone put off knowing such life-changing information?

“I was scared…” Halima quietly expressed.

It had been positive.

Halima was unsure about continuing the pregnancy. She shared that she had been unable to carry her past two pregnancies to term. One had been an ectopic pregnancy, the other a miscarriage. Ann Marie understood how these heart wrenching experiences must have taken a toll on Halima and the joy she may have otherwise felt, knowing she was carrying life inside her.

The appointment carried on, and Halima finally saw her baby on the ultrasound screen. She was silent. Ann Marie patiently waited for her to process what she was seeing.

“I’m shocked!” she finally blurted out.

Halima wasn’t sure what to do.

At the end of the appointment, Ann Marie offered prayer, which Halima accepted. Afterwards she was tearful as she continued to talk with Ann Marie. Halima shared that her mother is a Christian and her dad a Muslim.

“My mom would talk to me always about the Lord.”

Halima still had a Bible at home that her mother had given to her year ago. Ann Marie asked if Halima would like to pray a prayer making a profession of faith in Jesus as her Savior. Halima accepted and made that prayer.

As they talked further about her next steps, Halima seemed conflicted about her pregnancy decision and accepted the offer to schedule an appointment with Lisa, one of our social workers, to discuss her options but also said she “could never have an abortion”.

Halima remained tearful and afterwards joyously shared her profession of faith with other staff. We’re grateful to be able to share the Gospel with the women who come through our doors. We’ll continue to follow up with Halima and offer her support as she makes a decision about the life of her baby.

*Name has been changed to protect the confidentiality of our client.