In April we had an abortion-minded client call requesting information on where she could get an abortion. After informing her that we do not refer for abortions, she was still willing to talk with me on the phone about her options. I explained in detail what both a surgical and a chemical abortion looked like; what each medication would do and what she could expect physically and emotionally. At that time, she declined an offer for an ultrasound at RETA. But the staff prayed.
This woman explained her many reasons to choose an abortion: an 8-month-old and a 2-year-old at home, a history of life-threatening labor complications and pre-term birth, having a child die of SIDS, no family support, and indifference and lack of involvement by the baby’s father. Since working at RETA, I am learning to acknowledge and understand the very real fears and challenges these women face. Being face to face with a woman who is struggling, learning her story and what brought her to that point causes you to wonder, “If I was in her place what decision would I make?” Entering into our clients’ shoes helps me understand that if they abort, adopt or even parent, it is going to be hard, emotional, and messy. I am so grateful that God has allowed me to see how our staff and volunteers rally around the women we serve, no matter the outcome they decide. Adoption? Our nurses and advocates will help connect her with an adoption agency and encourage her to receive post-adoption counseling. Parenting? We’ll provide her with coaching support and material resources. Abortion? We will grieve her decision, but we will continue to love her, recognize her pain and provide her with abortion recovery support.
When I spoke with this client a week later she said she was planning to get a chemical abortion at her doctor’s office. Even though she had an appointment scheduled for the abortion she agreed to come to RETA for an ultrasound. What an answer to prayer! At the appointment, she was open to talking with one of our nurses about adoption more in depth, something our clients do not often want to discuss. She has since come back for a second ultrasound and voiced interest in coming for parenting classes. We don’t yet know what outcome she will choose, but we will continue to pray and invite you to pray with us.
by Darcy, Nurse/Sonographer