CAMILA

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.