“Tayler” was facing an unexpected pregnancy. Already a mother of one, her finances were not in order, and paying her rent was a struggle each month.
Life was busy and full with her son. How could Tayler afford to care for another child? The cost of diapers, new clothes, toys, baby food, and formula added up quickly.
I just don’t see a way to make this work.
That afternoon, Tayler put her son down to nap. She went into her bedroom and closed the door. Grabbing her phone, she searched online for abortion options near her.
Thankfully, and because of your support, she found the number to Human Coalition and dialed.
A conversation began with a compassionate nurse who listened to Tayler as she expressed her desire for abortion.
I’m not ready for another child.
The nurse understood where Tayler was coming from considering her circumstances and financial struggle. The nurse reviewed all the pregnancy options with Tayler. When she came to the option of abortion, she reminded Tayler that the cost of abortion ranges anywhere from $600–$2,000 depending on how far along you are.
Tayler also expressed another fear of hers. Having sickle cell disease (SCD), she was worried that if she gave birth, her child would be born with SCD. This disease is only passed down if both parents carry the gene; the nurse assured her she didn’t have anything to fear since the father of the baby did not have SCD. Alleviating her fear, Tayler felt comforted knowing her child would be OK. At the end of the call, the nurse helped schedule Tayler for a free ultrasound at a local pregnancy center. Unsure how her boyfriend would take to the news, Tayler took her time to consider her options before discussing things with him.
Though Tayler was fixed on getting an abortion, she had no idea an abortion was that costly. Not to mention, abortion was illegal where she lived. She would have to travel out of state to get one. Could she really pay for an abortion when she could barely pay for electricity?
Continue reading the rest of Tayler’s story:
Sitting across from her boyfriend later that night, Tayler told him everything. Her concerns, fears, and their options. He expressed his desire for Tayler to keep the baby and hoped she wouldn’t go through with an abortion. She had his support. But not only his support; she had the support of the nurse she spoke with on the phone. Maybe that was enough.
She called the nurse back the following morning and told her she had decided to choose life for her baby. Tayler was excited and at peace with her decision. She was thankful she and her boyfriend were on the same page and could move forward together as a team.
Tayler then expressed her desire for a new job, one that was either remote or part-time. She wanted to be available for her children and be the best mother possible. Human Coalition’s Continuum of Care program coordinates long-term assistance for moms walking through unexpected pregnancies. Through a network of support services, women and families are helped both during and after the pregnancy. Assistance with job placement is one of the services offered through the Continuum of Care program. Human Coalition’s employment specialists assist moms with building out a professional resume and finding meaningful work that can change their circumstances.
A social worker browsed through Indeed.com and emailed Tayler job descriptions that could be a good fit. From there, Tayler applied for several jobs and was soon offered a position at a new company! The Continuum of Care program empowers women so that on their own, they feel confident and equipped to parent. Tayler also learned through Human Coalition about the organization “Embrace Grace,” a judgment-free community that cheers on single and pregnant moms to help them be brave in choosing life. With global support groups offered, moms are connected either online or in person with other moms who meet weekly for 20 weeks, are mentored by women who understand motherhood, make new mom friends, and gain life-changing skills.
Tayler absolutely loved her time with Embrace Grace. She said,
“They were great and helpful. I spoke to the supervisor, and she was great. I received a book that I am still reading. I plan on [attending] future engagements. It helped to have others that were going through the same thing. I have 5 mommy friends that I stay in contact with, and they are like family. Thank you so much for everything.”
Tayler is continuing to gain the emotional, spiritual, and practical support she needs to parent well. She is so happy about the direction of her life and is so thankful for all the support she’s received. She plans to stay in touch with the ladies at Embrace Grace and says that the staff at Human Coalition were “diligently helpful.”
Had Tayler not discovered Human Coalition in her moment of desperation, her life would be in a completely different place today. She would have likely chosen to travel out of state for an abortion. And her current joy would potentially be replaced with sorrow and regret had she not chosen life. But thanks to you and so many more rescuers like you, moms facing unexpected pregnancies like Tayler are empowered to overcome circumstances and boldly choose life instead.
Thank you for standing with moms like Tayler every day!