“Chloe” was at her limit.
A mother of two already, she believed she couldn’t take care of any more children. Finances were tight. There wasn’t any extra cash at the end of the week, and the food on their plates was sparse. Chloe struggled to find a babysitter for her children as she worked. Not to mention the car trouble that always seemed to arise just as she was about to leave.
So when she took a pregnancy test and saw the positive result, she didn’t feel excited about the news.
Chloe hated that she was in this position. She loved her children dearly, but she didn’t think she could make room in her heart, or her home, for one more person.
She loved her children dearly, but she didn’t think she could make room in her heart, or her home, for one more person.
How could I have let this happen?
Chloe felt disappointed in herself. But what she felt more was a disappointment for the baby inside of her, knowing that she couldn’t deliver on the life her baby deserved.
Every thought in her head was telling her to abort. It would be the easiest way. She could do it soon, before a connection with the child was formed. Her other children would never know. She wouldn’t have to tell anyone. It would be her secret, and hers alone. She was sure she wouldn’t regret it. Though she might feel sad at times remembering what was, she’d be able to work through it. She knew she was strong.
Alone in her car, Chloe grabbed her phone and researched abortion options.
And that’s when Chloe found Human Coalition and called.
She explained her circumstances to the nurse on the other end of the line and how she believed it was impossible to have another child. The nurse listened intently to Chloe’s fears and began to address them. The decision was Chloe’s to make, but the nurse made sure she knew all her options and thought things through before making this life-altering decision.
If her circumstances were different, Chloe felt she would probably choose to parent.
And the nurse helped Chloe understand that circumstances can change — and that she wasn’t alone. The nurse told Chloe about low-cost care programs that assist with childcare. Bus passes and low-interest car loans could improve her transportation to and from work. The nurse brought to light what could be made possible for Chloe.
Before the call ended, Chloe was scheduled for an ultrasound appointment at a life-affirming clinic. She was early on in her pregnancy, and Chloe knew she had some time to make her decision. She found herself stalling though, questioning what she really wanted. After her phone call with Human Coalition, she found a new sense of hope. The feeling that everything was closing in on her had begun to lift. She went to her ultrasound appointment alone but decided to ask the father of the baby to join her for the next appointment. She didn’t want to make this decision alone.
At her second ultrasound, the father of the baby accompanied her. She silently prayed that he would see what she saw and feel what she had felt the first time she saw their baby on the screen. She took it as an answered prayer when he lit up at the sight of their baby. She found her love for the child deepen in that moment. Chloe was beginning to accept her situation. With the encouragement of the baby’s father, he and Chloe chose life for their child.
Through the Continuum of Care program, which provides a social worker that helps connect women with resources and address their challenging life circumstances, Chloe received essentials like diapers, a portable crib, pregnancy pillow, and other items to help with the cost of newborn expenses. Chloe also received follow-up calls throughout her pregnancy to ensure her needs were still met. She agreed to lactation help and some counseling as well.
Throughout her pregnancy journey, Chloe realized that she was never alone. She had an encouraging care team supporting and encouraging her every step of the way. Months later she gave birth to a beautiful and healthy boy. Chloe was supported throughout her post-partum days and breastfeeding too. We’re happy to report that mom and baby are doing well!