she almost said no

The young woman on the phone asked if she could come in that day for pregnancy test. Bethany looked at the schedule and saw that it was already too full. She was about to offer the young woman an appointment later in the week when she heard a whisper from God saying, “This is important. Fit her in.”

Bethany is our Clinic Operations Director. She does a wonderful job in many ways, but I especially love her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Trusting that prompting, she squeezed her in to the already packed schedule.

When Claire* arrived, she was visibly upset. She was fidgeting and nervously moving around the waiting area. 

After only a few minutes, Bethany called her name and led her to the restroom to provide a urine sample for the pregnancy test. She was then escorted to the consultation room and given our Pregnancy Decision Scale. This is a helpful tool that provides a space for the client to thoughtfully consider their options.

I performed the pregnancy test and was not surprised when it showed a positive result. Tears literally sprung from her eyes when I told Claire that her pregnancy test was positive. I passed her a tissue and said, “We cry here.” I have spoken these same words many times to many crying young mamas sitting in that room.

Claire said, “I can't have this baby. I’m not in a relationship with the father anymore…I'm too young... I'm not ready... I can't do it!” I affirmed her for taking such an important decision seriously, and together we talked through her options: adoption, abortion, and parenting.

We talked about strength... growing up... and trusting God for help. I gave her a Positive Pregnancy Folder and added a packet of information about adoption. I also added an abortion risk packet, which included real information about the procedures and common short-term and long-term side effects of abortion.

Claire cried on and off throughout our conversation. Many tissues later, we moved to the Exam Room for an ultrasound. Her baby appeared on the large screen - arms and legs moving, her little face already beautiful. The sound of her heartbeat filled the room, and Claire’s tears began to flow again. Afterward, I asked how she was feeling. With a big smile, she said, “I’ve made up my mind. I’m keeping my baby.”

Claire left with a hug, ultrasound pictures of her baby, prenatal vitamins, a handmade crocheted baby hat, and an invitation to return for maternity clothes and baby supplies. She also left with a plethora of community referrals to connect her with additional support.

I'm so thankful Bethany listened to the still, small voice of our loving Father that day. His love for Claire and her unborn baby was palpable; I could tell she felt it too. 

Claire arrived feeling confused and unsupported. She left feeling cared for, listened to, and supported.

Our staff gathers to pray before opening the clinic each day. We ask God to bring in the women who will be blessed by our services. We ask His love and presence to be felt by everyone who walks in our door. We ask that He guide our words and actions. And He does. And we're so thankful.

*Names changed to protect our client's privacy.