For a woman who’s always up and full of hope, “Brandie’s” unexpected pregnancy made her feel like she was sinking hopelessly with no good way out.
The father of the baby told her he didn’t want to have anything to do with a new baby. Brandie already had another child and couldn’t imagine caring for two by herself. Nor did she feel she had the money or the resources to bring a baby into the world.
“Being a single mom is hard enough, but having another child would be way too hard,” she said. Brandie just wanted an abortion because “it would be easier and more convenient. It’s like an undo button,” she thought.
Brandie had dozens of reasons to think she could not have another baby, but above all, she was afraid. She was afraid of being a single mom of two young children; afraid of being alone without her boyfriend; afraid of trying to afford another child when she had a hard time paying her bills right now; afraid of what her family and friends would say about her; and afraid she’d gotten in way over her head.
Brandie was so frightened; she anxiously went online looking for answers about abortion. She’d never seriously thought about it with her first child, but now she was serious. What’s involved in an abortion? How much does it cost? How long will it take? Will I have to go out of state to get one, or can I get the abortion pill? Will it hurt the baby? Will I regret it later?
Brandie’s mind was spinning with so many questions that she couldn’t think clearly. Torment dominated her thinking, tightening its grasp, making it hard to breathe. In isolation, she wept, asking herself how she ended up in this situation.
In the back of her mind, she really wanted to keep her baby, but that seemed to be overwhelming and impossible.
In the back of her mind, she really wanted to keep her baby, but that seemed to be overwhelming and impossible. She found a number to call that promised not to judge her, but instead to answer her questions about abortion in a caring way. The last thing she needed right now was someone scornfully looking down on her. She desperately needed help, advice, and a way out of these terrible circumstances. So she called the number from the website. It was Human Coalition.
Not only did she talk with a compassionate nurse who understood her situation, but she also learned what her options were, what would be involved in keeping her baby, and the consequences of having an abortion.
The next day, Brandie had an in-person visit at a local pregnancy center. She was given a free pregnancy test and ultrasound, both of which confirmed she was pregnant — and it was a little girl.
Thrilled by the thought of holding a daughter in her arms but still undecided, Brandie was able to get counseling about her pregnancy and learn about the Continuum of Care program, which offers wraparound assistance through a network of support services. Here she found a loving group of people who would support her during her pregnancy and beyond. As a result, her confidence rose to do what she always wanted — keep her baby.
Brandie overcame her seemingly hopeless circumstances through Continuum of Care. She found help with housing, food assistance, employment, financial aid, and tangible items like baby outfits, diapers, and maternity clothes.
Human Coalition continued to keep in touch with Brandie, guiding her along the way to a stable family life with her three-year-old and her newborn baby girl, “Rebecca.”
Without Human Coalition’s intervention, Brandie probably would have gotten an abortion. It would have been convenient, but not for the best.
To the next mom seeking an abortion, Brandie lends some advice: “I would tell them to stop, think, and look for any resources that support women who are pregnant. Abortion is not the only option! Society makes you think it’s the only solution, but it’s not. And find a support group that will walk with you through your pregnancy like I did at Human Coalition.”
She only has positive things to say about parenting: “It’s hard doing it alone sometimes, but it’s all lovely as well.”
Thank you for making stories like Brandie’s possible! It’s only through your ongoing support that we’ll reach the next mom seeking an abortion, rescue her baby from abortion, and restore their family to long-term stability. You are the hands and feet of Christ, sharing compassion and hope with moms in desperate situations. And we pray you never forget the impact you’ve made!