The Client Connection
Changing Hearts: “It’s my baby”by Leslie Hatcher, Center Director
When First Choice began offering ultrasounds to our clients, I knew that the opportunity for a woman to actually see her baby in the womb would be a powerful tool in the counseling room. How could anyone choose termination after witnessing the tiny pulsating heartbeat on a screen? The impact has been even greater than I could have ever imagined.A longtime client and mother of four was blindsided by a fifth pregnancy. How could she afford another child? She called the CareLine crying, feeling trapped. As I encouraged her to meet with me, her fear and feelings of urgency were paramount. Her boyfriend told her that he would support whatever decision she made, so when she didn’t show up for her appointment, I feared the worst.A follow up phone call confirmed that she and her boyfriend had indeed traveled to Indianapolis where they had an appointment at an abortion clinic. Waiting in the parking lot, she told me “I couldn’t go in. We sat in our car for over 30 minutes. Something stopped me.” She wanted to have an ultrasound before making her final decision.The ultrasound was performed by the First Choice medical team later that day. After seeing her baby’s image on the screen, I asked her if she was still considering an abortion. She stated, “How could I? It’s my baby.”This is just one of the three life choices made in the few weeks that we have been offering ultrasounds to our clients. In fact, of the 13 ultrasound we have performed, only 3 of them were considering/intent on having an abortion, and all three chose life!We give all glory to God for His provision of this powerful counseling tool. In order to continue to offer these services, we need your help. Please pray for First Choice for Women, our clients and our volunteers. We have a variety of volunteer positions available, so please consider how you can be an Everyday Hero in this life-saving ministry.Changing Lives: A Client’s Story“When I came to First Choice for Women I was lonely, terrified and confused about deciding what to do about the pregnancy. After meeting with Leslie, I had a better understanding of the gravity of my decision. She encouraged me to get an ultrasound. At the moment I heard the heartbeat I decided I couldn’t go through with the abortion, even though my boyfriend had said he would prefer it.
He too was moved by the image and the sound of our baby’s heartbeat, stating that seeing the ultrasound image showed him that there is really a child there.”Praise God that this beautiful child is in the world because her mommy chose life!“In the Parent Care program, my client advocate meets with me every week. Early in the pregnancy she really helped me build the confidence that I could care for this child….I also knew that if for any reason I couldn’t, the center would connect me with an adoption agency.First Choice for Women’s support helped me through the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life. I’m very thankful they were there to support me when no one else did, and that they continue to be here to make sure that my boyfriend and I can be the best parents that we can be.”
