Resonating with the Reason for Abortion

By Tabitha Goodling, Client Services Manager, Mifflintown

Sometimes it is difficult to understand why a woman will choose to terminate her pregnancy. Most of the clients who come into my office wishing to abort their baby are fearful financially. Others fear they are too young and some even feel they are too old. Others never give a reason.

When these women walk out the doors after their visit here, we are left to discern on our own what they may do. Sometimes we feel confident these abortion minded women have changed their minds and have even verbally said so.

Still, there are too many who leave here, and we as staff have a sinking feeling in our stomachs that they may terminate. In those cases, we choose to hope, despite their reason.

Recently we had a wave of abortion minded clients in this office. The age factor was present in two of those cases. One mom felt she could not do this “at my age.” When we explained that we have seen women even later in years with a healthy pregnancy, she eased. We talked about her options. She shared her nervousness.

Sometimes that support person who sits in the waiting room or in the counseling room with her can be a positive influence on the woman’s decision. She stated the father of the baby was wanting to move forward with this pregnancy, and he was comfortable being a dad again. The ultrasound gave her peace of mind as he stood by her side watching the activity on the screen. We later learned she was indeed continuing her pregnancy.

Not long after this scenario, we had another client intent on abortion. This time she was “too young,” and “not ready.” Again, I assured this client I had seen even younger mothers follow through with pregnancies and manage to finish school and even go on to post-secondary education. This particular client also had a ‘support person‘ with an impact. Her mother admitted to being a young mom in an unexpected pregnancy with this client. She was vocal in telling her daughter this would be “very hard,” and she clearly indicated she did not want her daughter to go through this as she did.

I decided to point out the obvious.

I asked the mom of the client if she would change her decision for that pregnancy. She paused as her teen daughter watched her reaction. I pointed out, “I am willing to bet you would not trade your daughter for the world.” She then admitted she would not trade her daughter.

Following an emotional viewing of the ultrasound, I reminded the client of our Bridges program and that she could earn items if she chose to keep the baby. I had previously explained the “earn while you learn” program in great detail before we walked into the medical room. I had shared about adoption, both open and closed options. I talked about the abortion pill and the availability of abortion pill reversal – an opportunity to save the pregnancy after ingesting that first pill. I shared with her that even if she chose abortion, she would need support to deal with the trauma and aftermath. We were willing to be that safe space, I told her.

As the client left that day, I was uncertain what she might do. It really felt like a 50/50 shot at life for the beautiful baby that was clearly very developed and very active on the ultrasound screen.

Days passed, and I wrestled with local news of a newborn found deceased in a ditch. I wrestled with the national news of a YouTube couple openly sharing their abortion choice because their unborn baby tested positive for Down Syndrome.

My heart was heavy for the unborn – as it often is – but especially more so due to all of these events.

One day the phone rang at the office. The teen client was on the other end requesting classes for her pregnancy. I was delighted to sign her up for the Bridges program.

The second time she entered our office – this time as a Bridges client - she seemed like a different girl. She had a plan. She had support from her boyfriend – and her mom. She had hope.

These were sweet victories for us. Not every story ends this way. But I am thankful that God goes before us each day and provides what we need for every client who comes through our doors.