As I awaited the assessment from the high-risk specialists regarding the precious life within me, tears streamed down my face while my partner held my hand tightly. He absorbed the diagnosis as I struggled to process the details. The one phrase that echoes in my mind daily is, “The prognosis is very poor. You’re going to lose this pregnancy.” I was just 21, and the baby I carried was not going to survive.
I was handed a stack of paperwork, along with some “encouraging” words and a lab order for tests concerning infections and genetic issues. I received information about the risks of continuing the pregnancy, along with a discreet note containing the contact information for two abortion clinics. My doctor, a committed Christian, placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and said, “These clinics in New Mexico come highly recommended.”
I didn’t reach out to the clinic that day. Instead, I returned home, overwhelmed with emotion, and prayed for guidance. A close friend, whom I hadn’t known well at the time, came over to support me. Together, we drove around, crying and discussing my options during that frightening period. The following day, I returned to the hospital for further tests, which confirmed it wasn’t an infection but rather a genetic abnormality, the specifics of which were still unclear. I spent the Fourth of July weekend with my family, but I barely ate, lost in a fog of pain—both physical and emotional.
When Monday arrived, I made the decision that termination was the best choice for me. On Tuesday, I called the number on that note, explained my situation, and scheduled an appointment for July 7th.
In the days leading up to the procedure, I found myself pleading with God to end my suffering. I wished for my baby’s heart to stop beating, longing for a resolution to my heartache. I prayed for an easy escape from the judgment I feared for the choice I felt compelled to make for my family and me.
But instead of silence, God guided me to the most compassionate women at the clinic in New Mexico. Many envision these places as cold and sterile; I found the opposite. The doctor and counselor reassured me that everything would be alright. They debunked numerous myths surrounding abortion and supported me through an incredibly difficult moment, gifting me with treasured memories of my son.
As half of America condemns women who have made similar choices, I choose to pray for them, understanding the heavy burdens they carry. While some cast judgment on these clinics, I will uplift them for the essential care they provide. Laws may be introduced to penalize women and doctors, but I will advocate for the truth surrounding abortion.
Abortion is a healthcare service that all women deserve, irrespective of their circumstances. It is a vital resource that I hope we never take for granted. It is the care I pray you never need, but should your life depend on it, I hope it is available.
And next time you think it’s appropriate to use social media to spread negativity about a medical issue you may not fully understand, remember that someone close to you has likely had an abortion. Whether you realize it or not, a woman you care about has made a decision that was right for her, and she does not deserve disdain. Regardless of your beliefs about sin, God instructs us to love our neighbors and refrain from judgment. In His eyes, your judgment is as significant as any sin.
For more resources on this topic, you can check out Healthline for excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re curious about at-home options, see Cryobaby for expert insights. And if you want to explore more about family planning, visit this blog post.
Summary
This piece reflects on a deeply personal journey of faith and choice, navigating the complexities of an unexpected pregnancy diagnosis. The author shares her experience with abortion, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion, while advocating for reproductive healthcare as a fundamental right for all women.