Carrie

Carrie* walked into PDHC for a pregnancy test. She had a positive test at home, and was in shock. She had two young children already and gone on birth control specifically to prevent this – how could it be possible that she was pregnant? To make matters more complicated, the father of her youngest (and this new baby) had moved out. She was hoping her test had been wrong and that she was not pregnant.

The nurse greeted her and listened to her story while her youngest child played happily in her infant carrier. Carrie shared that she had a full-time job but still could not afford child care at a daycare center. A friend was helping her with childcare for the time being. Carrie was unsure how a new baby might affect this arrangement. Carrie said her mother was her best friend, but she feared that she would be angry with her if she was pregnant so soon and worried that she would not be supportive. Carrie also shared that she had had an abortion in the past and that she never wanted to experience that again. 

The pregnancy test was positive and Carrie was tearful. Carrie was offered an ultrasound to determine how far along she was. The ultrasound was inconclusive as Carrie was still very early in her pregnancy. The nurse asked if she could pray for her and Carrie agreed and cried during the prayer. They hugged and Carrie asked that they pray for courage and strength to continue on as a single mom and be the best person that she could be.

Carrie returned a week later for a second ultrasound and felt somewhat more hopeful as time had eased the “crisis.” The nurse greeted her with a smile. Carrie shared that she had been too embarrassed to share the news with friends or co-workers, but she had told her mother who was surprisingly supportive. The father of the baby had also committed to support them, though he was not living with the family any longer. The nurse performed the ultrasound and a 6 1/2  week baby was seen with a strong heartbeat. Carrie smiled as the heartbeat was measured. After the ultrasound, the nurse offered Carrie baby booties and ultrasound pictures. Carrie tearfully accepted and said, “I can do this.” The nurse shared how proud she was of Carrie to choose life for her child, even in challenging circumstances. Carrie said, “I would never go through an abortion again.“​

PDHC connected her to prenatal care and will continue to provide emotional support for Carrie throughout her pregnancy, as well maternity clothing and baby items after her baby arrives. We are so grateful Carrie was able to find the support and help she needs at PDHC!

​*Names were changed to protect identities.