theresa

Theresa* came to PDHC and said she was here for an abortion. "I want to do this before I am too far along," was one of her first statements. The nurse sat down with Theresa to hear her story and understand why she felt abortion was her only option. Theresa shared a difficult life filled with trauma and loss, leading to her own struggle with alcoholism. Theresa had suffered several miscarriages and did not know if she could even carry this pregnancy to term, and this time she didn’t want to try. Theresa had come a long way though; she was several months sober and had a supportive and loving mother to help her navigate through life. Theresa also shared that she was not in a relationship with the father of the baby and had no plans to tell him about this pregnancy, as she did not feel he would be a good support in her life. Theresa felt the abortion pill was the best way to go.  
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The nurse shared with Theresa that the women in PDHC’s abortion recovery program so often tell us that they wish someone had told them to "slow down" so they could learn about their options and resources available to them, and they possibly would not have made a decision that they later had come to deeply regret. “If only someone would have taken the time to listen and care,“ many say. This made sense to Theresa and so she agreed to listen. To learn. To take her time.  

The nurse offered Theresa an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy; Theresa agreed. As the nurse was looking at the screen, she saw twins!! For Theresa, the emotions were many - panic, fear, excitement, and she was immediately overwhelmed. If she did not want to go through with a single pregnancy, how could she possibly fathom having twins? And with her history of miscarriage, what would this mean? Since the pregnancy was still very early Theresa agreed to come back in one week to recheck the babies. She also agreed to prayer.  

During the next week Theresa had a chance to “slow down” and think through her options and  review all the information the nurse shared with her. Theresa returned with her mom one week later, and when the nurse brought them into the ultrasound room, they both shared, "We have decided we can do this - we are going to keep them!" Tears were shed as emotions flooded the room. The ultrasound showed growth and 2 healthy babies. Theresa is in prenatal care and is excited about the pregnancy. The nurse informed Theresa about PDHC’s Parenting Classes/Family Empowerment Program, as well as the many community resources available for families. Theresa and her mom thanked the nurse for encouraging them to slow down - to make a decision that was right for them - a decision for not one, but 2 lives!