“I didn’t know what to do about this pregnancy. It wasn’t planned and it wasn’t a good time. We just didn’t think we could deal with another child,” Ava* shared. “I searched on ‘abortion’ and First Care Clinic came up. I saw that your clinic didn’t perform abortions, but that you talk about options. I thought this was a good place for me to start, since I hadn’t decided for sure on abortion.”
Ava was seen on our mobile clinic, which was convenient, private, and close to her house—and ideal with the price of gas. And Ava described our clinic as nicer and more home-like than her doctor’s office!
At her first visit, Billie Jo, one of Care Net’s nurses, walked Ava through all her options. “I really felt like she presented the information in a way that I knew there was no judgement for any decision I made,” stressed Ava. “And that made me feel safe to share my true feelings. I felt no pressure and knew it was my decision.”
Ava was offered an ultrasound. We know that about 20% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage, so an ultrasound is important to make sure the pregnancy is developing normally. Our obstetricians who read the scans asked Ava to return for a second scan. This gave Ava a week to think more about her options. “It’s hard to think about an abortion after you see your baby’s heartbeat,” Ava admitted.
After the second ultrasound, Ava and her husband decided they would parent. It wasn’t the best time – their marriage was stressed, things were difficult financially and they already had two sons. But Ava had always wanted three children, and after many miscarriages was not sure that would happen. Her husband said, “We can figure this out together.”
“I was so glad I found your clinic,” said Ava. “I can’t say enough about how awesome you are – the way you do things – offering a safe place, personable care and information. I really felt like I had everything I needed, especially the mobile clinic. It’s wonderful the way you go out to help people. I’m so grateful.”
*All names have been changed to protect the privacy of our patients and their family members.