“Libra’s” Story

I first came to the Center to have a pregnancy test.  I was very agitated because it was a terrible time in my life for me to be considering having a baby. When the results came back positive it was as if time stopped.  For an hour I cried nonstop, desperately trying to explain why it was a bad time for me to have a baby and why abortion was the best option. I was very sad and confused but I was convinced that I could not continue with this pregnancy.  The volunteer listened to me patiently and it was clear she was understanding my pain.

My husband and I were working with health insurance and so it was not a financial decision.  I explained how I had been very sick in a previous pregnancy, that my marriage was rocky and my relationship with my husband’s family was not good.  To me, these seemed like good reasons not to have a baby.   At one point I mentioned to the volunteer that I was not eating pineapple because I heard that it was bad for the baby.   With a very soft and tender voice, she repeated my words, and said: “You see, you are already loving and caring for your baby.” I was shocked but I knew her words were true.  She advised me to remain calm and suggested we take some time to consider the decision.  She also encouraged me to call or come back regardless of what I decided. 

Later my husband and I scheduled a time to visit an abortion clinic and drove there on the day of the appointment.  However, we got no further than the parking lot.  We both cried and at that moment decided to keep our baby. The center was instrumental in that decision.  The love, sympathy, compassion, and comprehension that I experienced that day was a light in a moment of total darkness. Our son is going to be three years old soon, and we can’t imagine our lives without him. We will be forever grateful to all the volunteers and staff who make it possible for women like me to be heard and supported when it matters most.