Amy and Eric

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

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