PRC impact: Megan’s story
Megan came to our pregnancy resource center (PRC) alone. She had called two days before to request an appointment for a pregnancy test, and indicated she was leaning toward abortion. She was informed on the phone that although the center did not provide or refer for abortion, we could provide a free pregnancy test and information about procedures and risks, as well as alternatives, if she was interested.
Megan began her appointment with a pregnancy test. While waiting for the results, Megan met with a client advocate who sat face-to-face with her in a comfortable, private sitting room. The advocate explained that she would complete an intake form which would enable her to identify resources and information that might be helpful for Megan’s situation. The center could provide referrals for medical needs, housing, financial assistance and other practical needs.
Megan shared that her pregnancy was unexpected, and although she and her boyfriend had a stable relationship, they were uncertain if they were ready to take on parenthood at this time. Neither had medical insurance, and she was not working at the moment. As they waited together, the advocate listened and responded with respect and concern. After a few minutes, there was a knock at the door; the test results were positive.
The client advocate explained that it is the center’s policy that any educational information provided to clients is only done so with the client’s permission. She could decline any information or service at any point during their time together. The client advocate offered Megan a free ultrasound to confirm her pregnancy, fetal heartbeat and measurements for dating. She also offered medically sourced information on pregnancy and fetal development, abortion procedures and risks, parenting and adoption. Megan agreed to receive the information, and she made an appointment for her ultrasound that same week so that her boyfriend, Stephen, could be present.
At her next appointment, Megan met with a nurse who explained the ultrasound procedure. She opted to have the video screen turned on so that she and her boyfriend could see what the nurse was seeing. Fetal measurements were taken (she was 10 weeks along) and the baby’s heartbeat was visualized and measured. The nurse discussed her findings with them, and they shared the issues that worried them. The nurse listened with patience and compassion, answered their questions, and promised to follow up with them soon.
Two days later, the nurse called to let them know the ultrasound report had been reviewed by the staff doctor, and the results they discussed at the ultrasound appointment were confirmed. She listened to the clients’ concerns and offered resources to help, including free pregnancy and childbirth classes, as well as parenting classes, offered by the center.
The next week, the couple called the center to share they had chosen to parent their child and to schedule their orientation for classes. They had decided that with help, they could grow into this new role as parents. Knowing that help is available gave them hope that they could indeed choose life for their baby.
The following April, the couple welcomed their little girl, Willow, into the world. Over the course of Megan’s pregnancy, the couple met weekly with their client advocate for classes. They both learned about healthy parenting, including the stability that marriage can provide for children. As our relationship with them continued to grow, they were prayed for, supplied with practical baby items and maternity clothes, and helped through pregnancy and childbirth questions. They sought and received spiritual counseling, as well. Megan, Stephen, and baby Willow are not just clients, they had also become friends. Although the names and identifying details have been changed for privacy, this is a true story of the impact made by a nearby PRC.
Abortion is most often seen as the solution to the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. Rather than a solution, abortion results in immediate and long-term negative outcomes. There are many resources which discuss the emotional, psychological, and spiritual impact of abortion. The following are just two that may be helpful: www.abortionchangesyou.com and www.jpands.org/vol22no4/ coleman.pdf.
Megan, Stephen and
Willow are real people, but also representative of thousands of families who find real help and hope through the free services of PRCs throughout the country. They can offer pregnancy and parenting education, practical necessities from diapers and formula to cribs and car seats, counseling, and spiritual support. Many PRCs are also fully licensed clinics with onsite medical staff that offer free services including pregnancy tests, STD testing and treatment, ultrasounds and prenatal services. Finally, PRCs have a commitment of care to women experiencing the effects of abortion trauma by providing post-abortion counseling and support. Our mission is to offer compassionate assistance by providing accurate information, life-affirming services and practical resources. Our desire is that individuals and families walking this difficult journey will find their lives transformed by truth, help and hope.
(The above article is written in an effort to inform in regards to Sanctity of Life month, which takes place during the month of January. Michele Fitzer has been active in the crisis pregnancy ministry since 2010. She has held the role of director of development, volunteer, and client advocate. – Kelly Larson)
(Kelly Larson is the pastor at Bishop Creek Community Church, an Evangelical Free Church. The church meets Sundays at 700 Hobson St. (corner of Hobson and Keough) at 11 a.m. (760) 872-7188. Larson’s blog is at TheShepherdsPen.com.)
In the midst of life there is death. A
Pastor announces to the 100 living members of his congregation that one has died during the past week.
In that congregation are a couple who are planning a joyous wedding in three weeks, while the brides’ brother is terminally ill. A young girl shreds down the slopes and a day later is gravely injured doing what she loves. Healthy children are born every day, and over 60 million children have been aborted.
Solomon, the great preacher, is often quoted in song and poetry. In his lament he says there is a time for laughter, a time for crying, a time for peace, a time for war, a time for birth and a time for death. Most interpret his work as simply stating the creation rhythm of life. However, if you read further preacher- King Solomon proclaims” Better that I’d never been born.” Life is meaningless, all vanity. This past week a veteran Pastor and father took his own life. “Vanity, vanity- better that I had not been