Late one night a PDHC hotline volunteer received a frantic phone call from Stacy* who was looking for help. Two days prior, Stacy visited an abortion provider and began a dilation and evacuation abortion procedure by having laminaria placed – this is a procedure where rods are placed with the intention of dilating or opening up the cervix in a second-trimester or later term abortion. Stacy had an appointment in just a few hours to go back to the abortion clinic to complete the abortion and have the baby removed from her uterus. However, in the past 36 hours Stacy realized she had made a grave mistake and was desperate to save her baby.

Stacy had called the abortion provider back once she realized she did not want to go through with this abortion, but the abortionist told her even if the laminaria was removed she would likely miscarry anyway. Stacy wanted a second opinion, so she called her own doctor and got right in. Stacy’s doctor was sympathetic and removed the laminaria, but told Stacy that this may not save the baby and told her to pray. From that moment on, Stacy began to pray.

A few hours later Stacy began to have some pain, so she visited the Emergency Department at her local hospital. At the hospital, a heartbeat was found through a handheld Fetal Doppler machine, but an ultrasound was not done. A kind nurse at the hospital told Stacy about PDHC and encouraged her to call for additional help. When Stacy left the Emergency Department it was almost 2am, but she called PDHC’s 24-hour hotline.  Stacy spoke to a PDHC volunteer who reassured Stacy and scheduled her for an ultrasound and consultation with a nurse. Stacy went home to get some sleep before her appointment with PDHC a few short hours later.

When Stacy arrived at PDHC it had been nearly 48 hours since her nightmare began at the abortion center. She did not know what to expect at her ultrasound, and though she had been praying, she braced herself for the worst. She wondered if she would lose the baby despite all her efforts. Stacy confided in the PDHC nurse that she had been confused about God and her spiritual life, but she had been desperately praying that her baby would survive this mistake she had begun. The nurse consoled Stacy and they talked about the importance of prayer, and accepting God’s forgiveness, love, and hope. The nurse told Stacy that, regardless of the outcome, God loved her. As the ultrasound began, the nurse also said a silent prayer, not sure what she would find . . .

Stacy’s ultrasound revealed a baby with a strong heartbeat. The baby was moving around and was still exactly where it was supposed to be, despite the fact that the abortion procedure was started. Stacy and the nurse breathed a huge sigh of relief and rejoiced together! Stacy took ultrasound pictures, booties and lots of resources home with her, but most importantly, she also went home that day with renewed faith and hope!

Stacy continued to stay involved with PDHC and was able to receive baby items and other resources to help her along her journey as a mom. Stacy recently gave birth to a healthy baby girl! We praise God for this life and for this mother!

Leticia* came to PDHC with her mother for a pregnancy test. Leticia’s mother didn’t even know she was sexually active since she was young and still in school; when the pregnancy test came back positive, they both were disappointed. Both Leticia and her mother requested abortion information because a baby was not part of the plan right now. The nurse sat and talked with them about abortion procedures, risks and side effects, and the importance of an ultrasound to determine viability. They declined an ultrasound and any other information about additional options.

The PDHC nurse's heart was heavy after they left, but the nurse knew she didn't need to carry the weight of this situation alone. She added Leticia, her mom and the baby to PDHC's prayer requests, so the PDHC community would lift them up in prayer and ask God to be at work.
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A few days later, the nurse checked on Leticia, and her mother said they had an abortion scheduled later that week but was feeling unsure about it. The nurse offered to meet with them again to discuss resources and other options and they agreed. When the nurse called the day before to confirm this appointment Leticia’s mother said they had canceled the abortion and wondered if it was still possible to get an ultrasound at PDHC.

Leticia brought her mother and another family member to her ultrasound appointment. They could see the baby moving on the screen and saw a strong heartbeat. They all smiled and commented on how amazing it was to see this baby live on the screen. By this point the family was beginning to get excited and hopeful. It was in that moment Leticia’s mother gave her blessing and Leticia made the decision to keep her baby.

Since her ultrasound, Leticia has been able to schedule prenatal care and get connected to additional support specifically for teen moms in the community. Leticia will be able to continue her education and have the support of her family, as well as PDHC, as she navigates through pregnancy and being a young mother. PDHC remains involved with Leticia and her family to offer support during this time. We thank God for this family and this life decision!

*Misty visited PDHC.org and scheduled a consultation appointment online; She came to PDHC with a friend that evening. Misty told the nurse that she had already decided to have an abortion and wanted to get more information about abortion procedures. In fact, she had already been to an abortion provider that day, but there was a problem. Misty had made a silent vow to herself that if there was a heartbeat, she wouldn’t go through with the abortion. Misty hadn’t shared that with the abortion provider and the abortion provider said that the ultrasound showed a baby with a heartbeat. The PDHC nurse thought this was odd because abortion providers don’t usually share that information.

The PDHC nurse offered to do a confirming ultrasound and Misty accepted. The nurse found that Misty’s pregnancy was very early.  Knowing the vow Misty had made, the nurse was still honest with Misty and told her she was too early to see the baby – much less a heartbeat. Had the abortion worker been mistaken or stretched the truth to increase the cost of the procedure? Had God been at work knowing what would save this baby’s life?  Misty was confused by the misinformation from the abortion provider and said she needed to think things through.

The PDHC nurse then spent time with Misty going through her options. They talked about making an adoption plan, and also about abortion procedures. Then they talked through the option of having the baby. Misty shared her fears and reasons for considering an abortion in the first place, and the nurse listened to these concerns and walked through them with Misty one-by-one. They talked about resources and practical support. They talked about what her life might look like during the pregnancy and after the baby was born if she chose to parent. By the end of the conversation it was evident that one thing had emerged which was not present at the beginning – HOPE.

The PDHC staff, particularly on the hotline, was diligent about following up with Misty and encouraging her. Misty agreed to schedule another ultrasound a week later at PDHC.

During that second ultrasound a six-week baby with a strong heartbeat was seen, and Misty stated her confidence was growing. The time that had passed gave Misty an opportunity to envision two outcomes of her situation – an abortion or the life of a growing child inside of her. By the time the ultrasound was over, Misty was ready to share her decision with the nurse.

Misty chose life for her baby. Truth was revealed at PDHC by the power of ultrasound, and Misty kept her vow not to end the life of her child.

Recently Misty delivered a healthy baby and is grateful to PDHC for meeting her at the point of her need in those critical moments. Misty is happy that she took the time to consider ALL her options, and to not make a decision out of fear.
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The PDHC nurse continues to communicate with Misty now that she is a new mother and continues to provide encouragement; Misty is grateful for the help, baby items and diapers from PDHC and is invited back for continued support. ​

Sanaya* visited PDHC after she took a home pregnancy test that was inconclusive. She was extremely nervous and hoped the test would be negative. Sanaya already had children and thought she was done having babies. She was in a rough period of her life, and a pregnancy would be a huge interruption.

Sanaya came to her appointment at PDHC and took a pregnancy test. It was positive; she cried and shook her head. “How could this be happening?” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks. “I cannot have another baby. I am so overwhelmed already!” The nurse went over parenting, adoption and reviewed abortion information with Sanaya so she would have all the facts.  Sanaya was visibly shaken as they talked about abortion procedures. Sanaya asked questions about the abortion pill specifically, and how that worked. Sanaya was agreeable to having an ultrasound right then. The pregnancy was so early the ultrasound did not reveal much, so she scheduled a second scan.

Two weeks later Sanaya came back; by then Sanaya had had time to think, but said she was still upset. The nurse performed her ultrasound which revealed a small, but growing baby with a heartbeat. After the ultrasound, Sanaya said she had decided to keep her baby and asked for ultrasound pictures. She made a plan to schedule an appointment for prenatal care and accepted prenatal vitamins.

The nurse continued to follow up with Sanaya in the subsequent weeks. Recently Sanaya welcomed a lovely baby girl into her family. Both mom and baby are doing well, and Sanaya has an appointment with PDHC to pick up a baby gift and supplies. We are so thankful to God for this beautiful life choice, for the nurse who worked with Sanaya and the power of ultrasound.

*Cheyenne found PDHC’s website and made an online appointment to “figure out abortion procedures.” Cheyenne was almost 9 weeks pregnant at the time of her consultation and ultrasound at PDHC. She was extremely conflicted about continuing or ending her pregnancy. Cheyenne had already been to her doctor and had an ultrasound two weeks prior, so she had had time to think about your choice before coming to PDHC. Her boyfriend was pressuring her heavily to have an abortion, but Cheyenne wanted to slow down and make sure she was making the right decision.

Cheyenne was a young college student and afraid of what her parents would think since she was not married. Cheyenne had little support nearby. When Cheyenne met with the PDHC nurse, they discussed all options, including adoption. Cheyenne herself was adopted and said that could possibly be an option. The PDHC nurse nurse encouraged her to talk with her family and not feel pressured to make a decision. Cheyenne want to take her time and be sure she was doing the right thing.

One weekend, Cheyenne made the trip home and bravely told her parents and other family members about the pregnancy. To her surprise, Cheyenne’s family was very supportive of her and offered her help if she would move back home. Cheyenne decided to continue her pregnancy and move home at the end of the semester. 

The PDHC nurse stayed in touch with Cheyenne and continued to follow up throughout her pregnancy. Cheyenne began prenatal care in her home town and took childbirth classes at her local hospital. At 25 weeks she told the nurse she found out she was expecting a boy, and both she and her family were getting excited about having this baby.

Just before Christmas, Cheyenne delivered a sweet, healthy baby boy! She thanked PDHC for being so helpful during her early decision-making process, and for all the support and follow-up she received throughout the pregnancy. The entire family is so excited about this precious little life!

*Eva found PDHC online when she was searching for abortion information and pregnancy options. Eva just found out she was pregnant, but knew she was not in a place to be a mother right now. Eva made an appointment for an ultrasound to find out how far along she was and get information on all her options.

During Eva’s appointment, she revealed that she had been in an abusive relationship with a man who had controlled her in many ways including getting her addicted to drugs as a means to keep her dependent on him. After multiple failed attempts Eva recently escaped this violent relationship and was trying to get her life back together – and now discovered she was pregnant by her abuser.

Eva wanted to know how abortion worked, and what her options were. The nurse explained the abortion procedures, as well as risks and side effects. She also presented Eva with other information, including where she could go to leave her abuser, keys to a healthy pregnancy and help for addiction; they also had a conversation about adoption. Eva asked lots of questions during the consultation and was able to get accurate information to make a well-educated decision regarding her pregnancy.

The nurse showed Eva her baby on the ultrasound screen – the baby was measuring about 20 weeks; Eva was conflicted about deciding to have an abortion this late in the pregnancy but felt like she had no other choice. She wanted no connection to this man and did not think her baby could be healthy enough after she had been using drugs. Eva was also afraid her abuser would find her and take the baby away if she kept it. Eva accepted ultrasound pictures and baby booties and told the nurse she would think about things but would probably terminate the pregnancy due to her complex circumstances.

The nurse, staff and volunteers prayed for Eva, that she would have a change of heart as well as to find the support to get her life back on track as she desired. The nurse was never able to reach Eva after that day; she didn’t return calls or texts, and eventually the phone number was disconnected.

Months passed, and then one day an adoption agency requesting information about Eva’s ultrasound. Eva was still pregnant, close to her due date, and was making an adoption plan! Eva had moved out of state and was in a safe environment with lots of support. Eva was getting her life back on track and had chosen a family to raise her baby.
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We praise God for this Life Decision and continue to pray for Eva, her baby and the family who has been blessed with this precious gift!

*Melissa came to PDHC in extreme distress saying she just found out she was pregnant and had to get an abortion as quickly as possible.  A nurse explained to Melissa that PDHC didn't do abortions but could provide her accurate information about her options. Melissa agreed to a consultation and a free ultrasound. Melissa cried during the consultation as she explained her situation; she already had children. She was struggling to raise them on her own, and now the father of this baby did not support this pregnancy. Melissa said she was very disappointed in herself and did not feel capable of having another baby.

As the ultrasound began, Melissa saw her baby on the screen and she became curious. The ultrasound revealed a baby nearing the end of the first trimester; arms, legs, face and other features were visible and Melissa started to ask questions. She began to think back, wondering if there was anything she had done to jeopardize this baby's health. She softened and the nurse reminded Melissa that she was precious in God's eyes, and there was nothing she could do that would keep her from receiving God's love. 

Melissa left that day still unsure of what she was going to do.  After follow-up by her ultrasound nurse, Melissa reported that she felt encouraged during her visit at PDHC and wanted to keep her baby, despite the fact that the father of the baby wanted nothing to do with her or the baby. Melissa will continue to receive support by the staff at PDHC. Melissa was invited back to participate in Parenting Classes and receive material support through PDHC.

​Melissa has found strength and hope through PDHC; we continue to pray for her pregnancy journey as she carries this baby to term. Praise God for this life choice!

Jennifer came to PDHC in her second trimester of pregnancy. She had known about her pregnancy for about a month, and was conflicted. Jennifer already has other children, and could not imagine having another baby. She was thinking about an abortion.  Jennifer came to PDHC for her ultrasound, where she saw her baby move around on the screen, and saw and heard a strong heartbeat.

After seeing this, the nurse expected Jennifer to rule out abortion, but to the nurse's surprise Jennifer said she was still considering abortion.  Jennifer was very worried about finances and other difficult circumstances in her life. Jennifer said this was a very difficult decision for her and she felt bad even considering abortion for her baby, but she felt hopeless and scared.  She didn't know what to do. The nurse listened and offered words of encouragement. She invited Jennifer to come back for a second ultrasound, but Jennifer did not schedule one. The nurse added Jennifer to the prayer list, and also sent Jennifer her ultrasound pictures through her phone app as Jennifer had requested.

When the nurse called to give Jennifer more information about her ultrasound from the doctor, Jennifer asked about coming back for that second ultrasound. She had still not figured out what she was going to do, and wanted to come one more time before making a final decision.

By this time the baby had grown even larger.  During the ultrasound the nurse allowed time for Jennifer to watch her unborn baby. As Jennifer watched, she smiled, and seemed to begin to bond with her baby. By the end of the ultrasound Jennifer had reached a conclusion. She decided that she could not go through with an abortion, and that she would do everything in her power to make this work. Jennifer happily took more pictures and baby booties, and left with determination and a plan to schedule her prenatal care appointment. Jennifer was invited to PDHC's parenting classes and also received maternity clothes and other resources.

We thank all our prayer warriors for praying for Jennifer and her decision. We praise God for this new life!

Meghan* and her boyfriend, Zac*, walked into the Campus PDHC. Meghan recently had a positive pregnancy test at home and wanted abortion information. Once PDHC services were explained, Meghan and Zac stayed at PDHC because the services were free and they could receive them right away.

Meghan is a recovering addict, and had some difficulties with past pregnancies, so a surprise pregnancy was not something she was willing to deal with right now. Abortion was her way out. Meghan and Zac talked through their different options with the nurse, and they were encouraged to really think about all three of their options before deciding on abortion. Parenting, adoption and abortion were all discussed, and resources and educational materials were given to Meghan and Zac to take home. An ultrasound was scheduled, and Meghan accepted a bottle of free prenatal vitamins on her way out. 

A few days later Meghan and Zac returned for their ultrasound appointment, and a tiny baby with a strong heartbeat was detected on the ultrasound. Meghan asked a lot of questions during the ultrasound and said with her past and mistakes she had made, she wanted to “do it right this time.” Meghan said she wanted to quit smoking and start prenatal care right away so she could do better for this child. Meghan and Zac happily accepted pictures of their new baby and left with renewed hope and a plan for life.

We thank God for Meghan and Zac's change of heart and change of plans. We continue to reach out to them to offer support and services. Please lift them up in prayer and ask God to be at work in their lives.