Challenging Circumstances and pressure to abort put a precious life at risk
But You Intervened!
Asra* was scared and unsure of what to do. She suspected she was pregnant, and it was not a good time for a baby. Asra was living with her boyfriend’s parents, her relationship with her own family was fractured, and the situation with her boyfriend was less than ideal, too. What would the people in her life say if they learned she was pregnant?
Asra knew her mom would pressure her to have an abortion. Maybe mom was right. Her boyfriend, Jared, said “I’ll support you whatever you decide. It’s your decision.”
When she arrived for her first appointment at our clinic, a test confirmed the pregnancy but it was too early for an ultrasound. Still uncertain about what she planned to do next, Asra made an appointment to return for an ultrasound.
The power of the ultrasound was quickly apparent. Asra and Jared were able to see their baby on the ultrasound screen. They saw a beating heart, and both were amazed! They had no idea something so tiny could steal their hearts.
Having the baby began to seem possible. The next week, Asra and Jared returned to develop a follow-up plan and discuss resources like education classes and strategies to navigate difficult family dynamics. Shared Asra, “I’m afraid to tell my mom I plan to have this baby. I know she will pressure me to abort, and I don’t think I can deal with that.” Jared’s family, in contrast, was offering support, and so was Asra’s sister.
But Asra still wasn’t certain if she should continue her pregnancy—a perfect example of why follow-up is so important. At Care Net we understand the changing circumstances and pressure women feel when they are faced with an unintended pregnancy. And sure enough, we heard from Asra again. “My mom is pressuring me not to have the baby, and I think she’s right. I’m not ready to have a baby. Jared doesn’t want me to abort, but our relationship is not good. I don’t know if I can continue this pregnancy.”
We invited Asra back for a recheck. Now in her second trimester, Asra had received no prenatal care because the future of the pregnancy was in limbo. Asra was once again surprised by a very large baby in her womb. She cried when she saw the images. “I still don’t know what to do,” she said as she left.
During her visit, we asked if she was open to prayer, and she agreed. Our patient advocate prayed she would find peace, that supportive and loving people would come around her and that she would find the courage she needed.
“I was so grateful and comforted by the prayer. I left the clinic feeling like my burdens were lighter,” Asra shared, “I told everyone I had made a decision: I was going to continue the pregnancy and keep the baby. My mom is nervous, but when she saw the ultrasound pictures, she said she would support me.”
Asra gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Liam. She and Jared are adjusting to being parents and are thankful they found a safe place to talk through the ups and downs and challenges the pregnancy presented. Finding people who cared, a safe place from pressure to process her feelings, and an abundance of resources gave Asra the courage she needed to say “yes” to life.
And you made all that possible.
*names changed