Her baby’s life was hanging in the balance, and abortion seemed to be the only answer.
Jamilia couldn’t decide whether she should keep her baby or not. She had so much stacked up against her. First, the father wanted her to get an abortion; he didn’t want another baby. She knew her family wouldn’t support her, which would leave her all alone without help. She already had a toddler, raising her on her own. And since the father lived in another town and was in and out of jobs, he offered no security.
Then there were her physical problems. With her current child, she suffered from post-partum depression and couldn’t imagine going through that again. She struggled with severe blood pressure issues, and adding a baby in the mix would complicate things even worse. With a low-paying job, she faced ongoing financial strain, which was made even worse with the cost of childcare.
Jamilia seriously considered abortion, so much so, she went online to find an abortion provider. She thought there was no other way for her to survive. Then she saw an ad that claimed to listen without judgment. She made the call. Praise God, Jamilia connected with Human Coalition.
She had a long conversation with a nurse about all her options, not just abortion. Jamilia learned that she could place her baby for adoption with a loving family but decided against that. After discovering the support she would receive, Jamilia leaned more toward keeping her baby. But she had more questions and decided to get a free pregnancy test and ultrasound just to make sure everything was alright.
After meeting the staff at the pregnancy center and getting testing done, Jamilia felt comfortable that she would receive compassionate support she could depend on. Once she saw her baby on the screen, Jamilia knew she couldn’t abort her child and decided to carry it full-term and for life. None of which would have been possible without your generosity.
Then, at 10 weeks, Jamilia was put under medical bed rest due to heavy bleeding from fibroid problems, which complicated everything about her pregnancy. But she stood strong and stayed committed to choosing life for the baby in her womb. This wouldn’t have happened without the tremendous support she received from you.
Jamilia said, “Without Human Coalition, I would have not told my mom and sisters so soon about my pregnancy and would not have kept the baby.”
Jamilia received a lot of help, including nutrition guidance, employment resources, nursing visits, lactations services, and much needed material assistance. Jamilia said she received more help than she could have imagined.
When asked what she would tell other women in the same circumstances, Jamilia said, “Know all your resources and other ways you have support before making such a big decision.”
As the big day was approaching, Jamilia was rushed in for an emergency C-section. The baby’s heart rate was seriously dropping, and they needed to deliver her immediately. Fortunately, both mom and baby made it through delivery just fine. No premature or low birth weight, and no NICU admission was needed.
Thankfully, this time, there was no post-partum depression to grapple with. And Jamilia was able to overcome breast feeding difficulties that she’d experienced with her first child, due to assistance from a Human Coalition lactation specialist.
Both baby and mom are doing well and happy for choosing life. Thanks for all you do to help moms in difficult circumstances who would have gone another direction without your caring support. You’re making a huge difference in the lives of moms like Jamilia.