(Editor's note: Not all appointments at a Pregnancy Medical Clinic end in a declaration that the mother will carry her baby to term, and sometimes God alone knows the outcome of her decision. In some cases, after the ultrasound there is fear about what other people will think or do, coupled with significant pressure from circumstances to abort. As you read these typical stories of three different women, remember to keep your local PMC in your prayers. This is a not an easy job and they need your encouragement and support, and the women they minister to need your prayers as well. Why not pray for Sierra, Kara and Angel (and your local PMC), when you finish reading their stories?)

Sierra
The tears rolled down Sierra's cheeks. "I don't want to have an abortion. I think it's murder. But that is what he wants me to do. …."

According to the ultrasound, Sierra was about 10 weeks along. Her baby was moving vigorously on the screen. Little arms and legs were clearly visible. So was the anguish in her eyes. As far as she could see, the situation was hopeless. If she continued with the pregnancy, she faced the real risk that her boyfriend, Kyle, would leave her. With two small boys, (one Kyle’s, one not) they were already having trouble making ends meet. And yet, on the screen was the clear evidence of another life, already full formed, just needing a few months to grow.

Her advocate showed Sierra the community resources available. And, she shared how much God loved her and that He created her and her baby for a purpose, and that He would always be there for her. Sierra agreed, and she cried. However, in the end, she went home to Kyle. We were never able to speak with her again because he intercepted every phone call. We continue to pray, but we may never know what happened to Sierra or that tiny little life we saw for a few brief minutes.

Kara
That same week, Kara also came to us. It didn’t take long to know that she was a self-assured, independent person. She was married, but didn’t want to be pregnant yet. She had lots of things she wanted to accomplish first. She confessed that her husband wanted the baby.

Kara got very angry at a subtle reference of "her baby" and of her being a "mom." She didn't want to be pregnant and she didn't want to feel guilty about aborting. Her advocate was kind, but truthful in providing the facts. Still, she left angry, and we were afraid that a follow-up phone call would reveal a quick trip to the abortion clinic. However, the next day found her "thinking about what we had said." And, two weeks later, she still has not made up her mind. As you can imagine, prayers on her behalf and for her child are still fervently being said.

Angel
Angel was very talkative with her advocate. She was almost nonchalant about mentioning that she already had three kids, and now she was going to "have an abortion and get her tubes tied." After all, she was only twenty-five. Everyone was telling her to keep the baby, including her boyfriend. But, "she was the one who would have to raise it."

Angel was only four weeks pregnant on the first visit, so it was too early for an ultrasound. Her advocate encouraged her to return in two weeks, so that she would at least find out if the pregnancy was viable, or would continue to completion. Angel agreed to postpone her decision on abortion until that visit.

Two weeks later, she returned. Her advocate made a point of being there for the ultrasound, to provide consistency of care. When Angel saw the beating heart, and the tiny baby her eyes misted over. She asked Mark, the sonographer, if the baby looked okay. He replied that everything looked great. Angel looked over at the advocate and said, "I don’t think I’m going to have an abortion, am I?"

Life in the Balance
Three women. Three tough situations. Three new lives hanging in the balance. This is just a taste of what we encounter at the Center everyday. As a result of prayer, and the power of the truth, most choose life. It is hard to buy into the lie that abortion doesn't really kill a human life, when the ultrasound screen shows a beating heart and a tiny, fully formed little person. However, for many, there are outside forces that are too difficult for them to face. Regardless of the law, many are forced by parents or the men in their lives to abort.

Please continue to pray. The battle continues. We may not be able to change the laws — at least not yet — but in the meantime, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals. As you pray and support your local pregnancy clinic, you play as big a role in that process as those of us who meet with her face to face. We can't do it without you.

AAA Center for Pregnancy Counseling
Omaha, NE
Barb Malek, Administrative Director

All Pregnancy Medical Clinics in the Option Ultrasound Program provide limited obstetrical ultrasound as medically indicated. Clinics are licensed to operate under the supervision of a physician, using only trained sonographers. Focus on the Family does not endorse the use of ultrasound outside of a medical clinic setting and does not endorse the use of ultrasound for non-medical reasons. Patient referrals are made to physicians for follow-up diagnosis and care as needed.