I was scared to go to the appointment.
Margaret found out she was pregnant after a rather wild summer. The father of her child had since moved to Texas, and she was in no position to raise another child. At least, that’s how she saw it at the time.
Margaret was raised by two wonderful Christian parents who, over the years, taught her that life is precious. In her heart, she knew abortion was wrong… but when someone is actually in the position of an unplanned pregnancy, it’s a much harder decision to make. Starting the first week of November, she decided to go to Planned Parenthood and discuss her options, knowing that once she was there, it would probably be easier to make the decision to abort. She made the appointment, and the days following she couldn’t help but doubt her decision.
She remembered earlier that summer her parents had taken her to church. It just happened to be the service that a woman came to talk about Pregnancy Resource Centers. Margaret decided this might be a better place for her to go first and get a pregnancy test. She was beyond thrilled that she could schedule and appointment online and confirm it via text.
Margaret recounts, “I was scared going into the appointment not because of the results, but I didn’t want to be pressured into making ‘the right decision.’” I had never walked into a clinic and felt more relaxed and welcomed then I did when entering the Pregnancy Resource Center. I did have a positive pregnancy test, and once the results were given to me, we scheduled another appointment for an ultrasound. The ultrasound was the deal breaker for me. My son was about 3 months along, and I could see all his little fingers and toes. Seeing this little human being, so innocent and lively growing inside me, was absolutely amazing. He also had the hiccups, which was the cutest thing ever! Seeing him and seeing his little heart beating on the ultrasound screen was exactly what I needed. I knew he needed me, and it was in that very moment that I realized I needed him too. I left the Pregnancy Resource Center that day beyond thankful and confident in the decision that I made. At no time was I ever pressured into what “I needed to do” and most importantly, I NEVER ONCE felt judged.
I have a teenage son and was unsure how he would take the news. He embraced it, and I let him pick out the name for his new sister. He wanted to pick a name with a special meaning. After months of careful thought he chose the name. He picked the name “Dawn” because it means “light”. He said it was perfect because she was going to be the light in our lives.
Dawn is now 5 months old, and she has been a shining light in not only my life but those surrounding her. She is a pure bundle of joy, and I can’t imagine my life without her. Her dad is moving back to Oregon to be closer to us, which will be so great!
We don’t judge, we don’t manipulate, and we will never force you into a decision you aren’t comfortable making. Our staff is available to listen and to help answer your questions. No question is silly or stupid, and no situation is too scary or overwhelming. We are here for you, no matter what the circumstances.
