“Estelle” took a deep breath as she tried to comprehend what the ER doctor was telling her. Pregnant? Pregnant! How could she be pregnant when she’d been responsible? Her mind raced. I used birth control.

Stunned, she tried to comprehend the news. Her chest felt constricted as fear and anxiety gripped her. How could I possibly care for a baby? I just lost my job. With each thought, another question arose: Oh, what will my family say? She’d been living with her sibling since the layoff. She was trying to get her life back on track. What would people think?!

ESTELLE WAS ACTIVELY SEEKING TO ABORT

She left the hospital and immediately began searching for abortion information online, certain it was her only option. Thankfully, she decided to call Human Coalition’s National Contact Center. The woman who answered was compassionate and kind. She explained the free services available to Estelle and offered to schedule an appointment for her at our women’s care clinic that very day!

Still in shock, Estelle went to the appointment. As she met with a care coordinator, she couldn’t contain her tears. Life was spiraling out of control. Panicked and overwhelmed, she explained her situation. Estelle was sure her sibling was going to kick her out if she shared the news of her pregnancy. She’d been working so hard to get her life together. Now what would her family think?

THE PANIC BEGINS TO SUBSIDE

The counselor helped Estelle break down each of her problems into manageable pieces, then coupled it with either a resource or a contact. Finally, Estelle’s panic began to subside. Then Estelle received a free ultrasound. As she saw her baby moving and waving his tiny arms and legs, she broke down crying. Still in shock and struggling to come to grips with the reality of her pregnancy, Estelle left her appointment feeling certain that abortion was still the right answer.
However, our clinic staff followed up with Estelle. They worked to help her find a job and develop a plan to get her own place to live. Gradually Estelle began to feel the weight of her situation changing. Still facing family difficulties, Estelle struggled with whether or not to abort, until another hospital visit called into question whether she was losing the baby.

Once that medical crisis had passed and the doctor confirmed Estelle’s baby was safe, she made up her mind that she wanted to keep her child. Months later, she welcomed “Cyrus,” a healthy baby boy.

COMPASSIONATE CARE AND PRACTICAL NEEDS

It’s through your ongoing support that Estelle felt strengthened and loved enough to choose life for her child. On behalf of Estelle and her little boy, thank you for your commitment to provide life-affirming, compassionate care to at-risk women. We truly appreciate you!