“I Still Have Her Due Date Circled on a Calendar”
Pregnancy Help News
Reading John Ensor’s article on the abortion doc who may be re-evaluating his thinking on why he is in the life-ending business (it’s a great read—check it out) reminded me of a moment when I came face-to-face with post abortion trauma, perhaps for the first time.
She was a college student, a client in for a pregnancy test at the center where I once served. As she waited for her results, we began talking and she brought up the fact she had an earlier abortion.
Her pregnancy test came back. It was negative. For her, a crisis averted. She could go back to class without worry. But we had a chance to talk again.
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Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?
National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.
In Southeast Penna: Call or text 610-626-4006
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available. Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.
She was a college student, a client in for a pregnancy test at the center where I once served. As she waited for her results, we began talking and she brought up the fact she had an earlier abortion.
“Tell me about it,” I said. “Did you experience any after-effects?”I was trying to be open-ended with my question, to see what she might say. I knew statistics. What I didn’t know was about to surprise me.
“It was fine,” she said. “No problems. I just kind of went in, it happened. I’m okay.”Fortunately, I said nothing. This was not a time for argument or even more questions. Maybe it was the Lord reminding me (as He does often) that my best response is usually to keep my mouth shut.
Her pregnancy test came back. It was negative. For her, a crisis averted. She could go back to class without worry. But we had a chance to talk again.
“You mentioned everything went okay with your abortion,” I said. “I don’t hear that often.”
Again, trying to be open-ended. No reason to fight about it if this was her perception. She looked at me. In her eye, a tear began to form.
“They gave me a valium before I even signed the consent form,” she blurted out. “They just ran me through like I was a number. No counseling, no nothing. They just kept pushing all of us through to the next station until we were done and they sent us home.
“It was awful,” she continued. “I don’t think I could ever do it again.”How things can change in a matter of minutes. Before receiving her test result, abortion was okay; no big deal. Was it because she knew she was considering the same option again? Before seeing her results, I wonder if she felt forced to see abortion as a positive, empowering decision. But after the test, without having to worry about a pregnancy, the truth poured out. I’ll never forget her closing words regarding her abortion.
“I still have her due date circled on a calendar,” she told me.Pregnancy Help News continues
Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?
National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.
In Southeast Penna: Call or text 610-626-4006
If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available. Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.
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