Kelly* came to PDHC looking for help.

She wanted to find out how far along she  was in pregnancy and get answers to questions she had about abortion. Kelly opened up and let the nurse know she was "50/50 on parenting or abortion", and needed more information.

Kelly shared that she had ended the relationship with the father of the baby, and she couldn't afford her own place to live. Kelly also shared her ex-boyfriend had made an appointment for her at a local abortion clinic for the next day. She canceled it because she wasn't sure what to do.

The nurse was able to share with Kelly information about abortion and pregnancy, and while talking about fetal development Kelly became teary-eyed.

The nurse talked to Kelly about all her options and encouraged her to write out her thoughts in the "My 3 Choices" brochure to give her the opportunity to really think about everything.

Kelly had an ultrasound that revealed an early pregnancy, but she would need to come back to determine viability. When Kelly returned a week later, she as able to see the baby and the heartbeat, but it was still quite early in pregnancy. Another ultrasound was offered, and Kelly agreed. A week later when Kelly returned, she was surprised how much the baby had grown. Kelly shared she had gone to church with her parents and was able to tell them about the pregnancy. She also shared how her parents were excited and told her they would help.

Kelly decided to continue the pregnancy and have her baby! The nurse was able to talk to Kelly about her relationship with the Lord, and Kelly gratefully accepted a prayer from the nurse. Before leaving, Kelly also registered for parenting classes to help her in her journey to becoming a mother.

Amy* and her boyfriend Eric* walked in to PDHC after going to another local clinic and finding out she was pregnant; Amy was looking for information on her options. Amy asked if, "it was a baby yet," at 6 weeks, because she was thinking about the abortion pill. An ultrasound was done, and an early pregnancy was confirmed. Amy and Eric were scared. They were both young and realized they now had a very big decision to make.

Being only 17, Amy and Eric were nervous about being pregnant so young, and neither had told their parents. Amy shared that her parents are, "very religious and strict," and she does not want to disappoint and upset them. Eric also voiced the same. The nurse told Amy that she is still their daughter, and they love her, and even though they may be shocked or disappointed at first, they would likely want her to talk to them about the situation and not try to hide it with an abortion. Amy was given the “My Three Choices” journal to take home and put her thoughts down on paper, and she and Eric also read through a brochure called, “How to Tell My Parents,” before they left PDHC that day. The nurse offered encouragement and prayers and invited them back for another ultrasound and to answer any other questions they might have.

When Amy and Eric returned for an ultrasound, the nurse again went over options and talked more about fetal development. Amy and Eric still had not told their parents, but they knew they had to make a decision soon. This ultrasound showed a very visible baby with arms, legs, and a clear beating heart. Another courtesy scan was offered for the next week and Amy and Eric accepted.

When they arrived for their final ultrasound, Amy & Eric shared they decided to keep their baby. They had told their parents over the weekend, and although both sets of parents were shocked and needed time to process, they were ready to support them both in this pregnancy and raising their child. Amy was able to schedule prenatal care now that her parents knew, and both Amy and Eric have enrolled in the PDHC Family Empowerment Program. They are looking forward to doing parenting classes throughout the pregnancy, and PDHC will be there to support them both on their journey into parenthood.

*names changed for privacy

 Lainey* visited PDHC a few months ago; this was her second  pregnancy she experienced with the support of PDHC, and she felt comfortable coming back for help again. This, however, was a very different situation, and instead of being excited about this baby, she was overwhelmed and distraught, and had already made up her mind that an abortion was going to be her way out of this situation.
When Lainey first arrived, she was dejected and sad. She looked at Amanda, her nurse, and said, “How can I do this again so soon? My baby is still so young and I’m not ready for this.” The nurse took the time to listen to Lainey’s concerns and sympathized with her, as she had also experienced an unplanned pregnancy early in life. They sat and talked and shared and bonded over this situation; Amanda then offered her an ultrasound before she made her decision.
The next 20 minutes would change everything. The ultrasound showed that Lainey was very early in pregnancy, but Amanda walked her through everything she was seeing, including a tiny yolk sac which is designed to nourish the baby through the first few weeks of pregnancy. By the end of the appointment, Lainey said, “I think I can do this. I’ve changed my mind. I’m going to keep it.” Amanda reassured her that PDHC would be here to help her with her baby she had, as well as the new baby.
Lainey enrolled in the Family Empowerment Program and began taking Parenting Classes. Amanda kept her promise and supported Lainey throughout her pregnancy. Through the Family Empowerment Program, Lainey has been able to learn so much, as well as get diapers, baby clothes, and other needed items for both babies for free. Lainey’s sweet baby girl Penelope was born in May, 2021. Lainey now states, “I’m so thankful for Amanda. I don’t know where my sweet pea would be without the encouragement from her… Thank you PDHC for saving my baby!”
*Name changed to protect privacy
**Picture shared with permission

Camila* was brought to PDHC by a trusted friend; she just learned that morning she was pregnant and did not want to keep this baby. Camila sat down with a volunteer who was able to speak with her in her native language. Camila explained to the volunteer that she already was content with her family the way it was and did not want the hassle of having to start over again with another baby. Camila also shared that her boyfriend was thrilled with the pregnancy and wanted her to have the baby, but she could not get excited about it and saw the pregnancy as a burden. 
The volunteer was able to share community resources and materials with Camila in her language, as well as talk through all her options one by one. The volunteer answered many questions Camila had about abortion procedures, adoption, and the possibility of having this baby. Camila said she had a lot to think through and agreed to an ultrasound to find out just how far along she was.
The nurse discovered that Camila was very early in the pregnancy – so early in fact, that a baby could not yet be seen. Camila said she was relieved to have a little time to consider her options and to talk through things with her boyfriend. She agreed to come back for another ultrasound a few days later. 
Camila returned the following week, and a very small baby was seen on the ultrasound screen. Camila asked for a picture of her baby, but still was very undecided on whether to move forward with the pregnancy, or to end it. The nurse stayed in touch with Camila over the next few days and offered her another free ultrasound – Camila happily accepted. 
When Camila returned for her third ultrasound the baby was much bigger than before and was starting to wiggle just a little bit. The baby was measuring right on track and the heartbeat was strong. By this time Camila had told a couple of family members about the pregnancy, and she brought her sister with her to this appointment. They both smiled and talked about the baby during the ultrasound, and at the end Camila said she had chosen to keep this baby and complete her family. 
Camila was so appreciative of the services PDHC was able to offer her; she did not have health insurance or a doctor, but PDHC connected her to free care for herself and her baby. Camila also joined the PDHC Parenting Program and will be able to learn lots of helpful things and collect free diapers and other baby items along her journey. 

*Tisha, a previous PDHC client, was pregnant – again. She thought about calling PDHC, but she knew she would be offered help with her baby and she didn't want to hear that right now. She and the father of the baby were in agreement that they were, without a doubt, having an abortion. After all, this pregnancy was an accident. Another child was not in their plans. Tisha went to a local abortion provider fully intending on terminating her pregnancy, but something happened during the ultrasound; there was not one, but two babies! Tisha immediately got up and walked out of that abortion facility stunned, confused and in disbelief. In that moment, she needed someone to talk to. Someone to help her think through this. She picked up her phone and called PDHC.  

She wanted honest, practical advice and she knew, based on her previous experience, that she would find that at PDHC. When Tisha arrived for her appointment at PDHC, she explained what had taken place, her thoughts and her struggle in making a decision. Tisha said that her family believed that twins were a sign from God, and, despite the fact that neither Tisha nor her boyfriend had twins in their families, somehow this was happening to them.  

Tisha requested an ultrasound to confirm she was having twins before making her final decision. She said if it was just one baby, abortion would be the decision she would make, but if it were really twins, she would consider that a sign and keep the babies.  

The ultrasound revealed 2 babies with strong heartbeats! During that ultrasound, Tisha had time to bond with her babies as she saw their little arms, legs and beating hearts. Even though she was still early in her pregnancy she was amazed to see how these tiny babies looked like – babies! Tisha was happy to receive pictures to show her family; the nurse talked to Tisha about next steps and scheduling prenatal care.  

During a recent follow-up call, Tisha reported that she scheduled a pre-natal care appointment and is excited as she gets used to the idea of having twins. She has lots of family support and is invited to take part in the PDHC Parenting Program during and after her pregnancy to help with practical education and resources. 

We praise God for the gift of ultrasound, His divine intervention and HIs good plans for Tisha and her family.

*Sophie called the PDHC hotline seeking abortion information. Sophie is married, has children, and was shocked to find out she was unexpectedly pregnant again. With her hands full, and her family seemingly complete, Sophie was not interested in having another child. The hotline worker explained that PDHC does not offer abortions, but rather information on her options as well as a free ultrasound. Sophie agreed to make an appointment with a nurse.  

When Sophie arrived for her ultrasound appointment, the nurse spent time with Sophie to see how she could help. Sophie saw abortion as the only option and the nurse went through abortion options at this stage in the pregnancy, as well as shared adoption information, and what keeping this baby might look like for Sophie. The ultrasound revealed that the pregnancy was very early, and Sophie agreed to come back for a second ultrasound the following week to determine viability before making her decision.  

The next week came and went and Sophie was a no-show for her ultrasound appointment. The nurse reached out and was able to reschedule her, but again she did not come. After not showing up a third time the nurse wondered if Sophie had gone ahead and terminated the pregnancy. The nurse reached out to Sophie one last time to check on her, and potentially offer Sophie information on PDHC’s post-abortion support program. By this time six weeks had passed from the first ultrasound appointment; to the nurse’s surprise, Sophie responded to her text and asked to come back in for another ultrasound. Sophie was still pregnant! 

During these six weeks Sophie’s family had surrounded her with support, offers to help and encouraged her to have this baby. Many people prayed that Sophie would change her mind and want to keep her baby. Sophie had time to think about her decision. Sophie’s husband brought her in for this last ultrasound appointment at PDHC; he had already made a doctor’s appointment for his wife for prenatal care. Sophie was now able to see her 12-week active baby moving around with arms waving and legs kicking during the ultrasound. Sophie told the nurse she did not want to end her pregnancy now, and accepted ultrasound pictures and baby booties.  

PDHC continues to support Sophie through her pregnancy as she is now a part of the Parenting Program, learning about how to better herself and her family, and getting free baby items along the way. We are so grateful for all the supporters who prayed for Sophie during her initial decision-making process, and for those who continue to hold Sophie in their hearts and minds.