Pregnant with her fifth child and suffering from hyperemesis, a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, “Tracey” was no stranger to the emergency room.
“I could end this right now,” she thought.
On the brink of divorce, the last thing Tracey wanted was the responsibility to care for another child. Her husband was serving in the military, and she felt alone. Her family didn’t live close by, so Tracey’s hands were full.
Tracey thought she could solve this unexpected pregnancy with the abortion pill. She was early enough in her pregnancy to where she knew it would work. So, in a moment of weakness and lacking other options, Tracey searched online for abortion facilities to obtain the pill.
But thankfully, that’s when she found Human Coalition. Tracey explained her predicament over the phone, saying that her unstable marriage was driving her to seek an abortion. She was making plans to become a single mom, and having a fifth child seemed selfish to her. The nurse sympathized with her and scheduled Tracey for a free ultrasound appointment.
After Tracey hung up the phone, she allowed the words that the nurse spoke to penetrate her heart. What seemed more selfish to her now was the taking of her baby’s life. Still overwhelmed by the possible divorce and unexpected pregnancy, she figured an ultrasound couldn’t hurt.
She learned at the appointment that she was 6 weeks and 3 days along. She listened to her baby’s heartbeat and saw every little movement on the screen. The heartbeat was strong, and her baby was thriving. It was still too early to tell, but Tracey found herself curious if she was carrying a boy or a girl. She found herself hoping for a boy and increasingly wanting to know. Something within her was changing, and there was not only curiosity, but a growing joy for the pregnancy.
Tracey’s turning point came after her conversation with the nurse and her ultrasound appointment. She could no longer pursue an abortion for her child. When asked about her turning point, Tracey said,
“I chose to parent my child because my faith that the Lord will carry us through was stronger than my doubt and worry. In the beginning I did not want to follow through with the pregnancy due to marital issues and possible divorce. I was getting ready to leave my marriage with four other children to care for. I felt like having another baby in the midst of all this chaos was not good. God knows the perfect timing and it’s never in your control. I accepted that this is what God has planned for my life, and me being a mother is the greatest gift and job on earth.”
Tracey thought about what life would be like without this child and thought of the void she would feel. She didn’t want to fall into depression and feel any regret or blame. She truly believed the Lord wouldn’t give her more than she could handle, and she knew the Lord had given her this child. She could do this … She would love this child just the same as her other kids.
Tracey was delighted when she found out she was having a boy! The Human Coalition nurse remained in close contact with her throughout her entire pregnancy. Tracey participated in the Continuum of Care program, where resources were provided for her and her baby. She also received ongoing counseling and consistent follow-ups with helpful information.
“Human Coalition made me feel special. I felt so alone during this pregnancy. I was so sick and stuck in bed most of my pregnancy, and to have Human Coalition checking in on me and giving me hope and advice really made me feel that I had other women out there who had my back and truly cared about my health and mental state. I felt like I had a good friend with Human Coalition.”
Today, Tracey admits that had she not connected with Human Coalition when she did, she most likely would have chosen abortion. She says that getting in touch with Human Coalition was meant to be. A simple phone call started a journey that saved her baby. Tracey believes that all things happen for a reason. When asked what advice she would give other women facing unexpected pregnancies, she said,
“I would tell another mother to take time to be by herself without any advice or two cents from family or friends. No one knows what you are capable of handling. As a woman our bodies are amazing; we are made to grow and give life. We are so strong and resilient. The fears and thoughts of ‘what if’ will all go away. Sit in silence and just think, pray, and plan. In the end everything falls right into place.”
In following up with Tracey post-delivery, she and her son are doing well! Tracey sent a text that said, “I appreciate all of the positive energy and support you gave me during this pregnancy. It was very hard at first to cope, with but I’m in so much love with him and I have to understand God does not make any mistakes.”
No, God certainly doesn’t! Thank you to everyone who has prayed, supported this lifesaving work financially, and encouraged moms like Tracey. Lives are truly being changed for generations to come! Together, we are increasingly making abortion more unthinkable and unnecessary every day. So, thank you for making stories like Tracey’s possible and saving the next baby from abortion!