I HAVE A

Pill

The first time I met Zoe* was when she opened the Clarity Clinic’s door and quietly approached the front desk, looking at the floor. She said, “I need a pregnancy test.”

As one of our client advocates, I greeted her with a smile. “Of course, that’s what we’re here for.”

Zoe shrugged. “I have an abortion pill. I just want to know that I’m pregnant before I take it.”

I brought her to a quiet clinic room where she shared more details of her story. I said, “Based on your last menstrual period, we would really encourage you to have an ultrasound.”

Zoe shook her head. “I just need to know if I’m pregnant.”

“Actually, the ultrasound is incredibly important. It will show viability, that there’s really a baby there, and it’s not a phantom or ghost pregnancy that would end on its own. Ultrasounds also allow us to measure gestational age to determine how far along you are. And, most importantly, we want to ensure the baby is implanted in the uterus where it should be.”

She shrugged. “Why does any of that matter?”

I looked at her with compassion. “If implantation hasn’t taken place, you have an ectopic pregnancy, taking that pill could rupture your fallopian tube. This causes serious bleeding and could even be fatal to you, the mother.”

Her eyes widened. She mouthed the word mother. “Okay, let’s get an ultrasound.”

I introduced Zoe to our nurse, Mandy, who brought her to the ultrasound room, placed warm jelly on her belly, and gently moved the wand back and forth. A black-and-white image appeared on the screen. Then she saw it—a rhythmic flicker, her baby’s heartbeat.

Mandy pointed at the screen. “Your baby has a powerful heartbeat.”

Zoe’s mouth gaped. Tears revealed a mix of joy and fear. Mandy poured over every detail on the screen. Small, delicate, forming.

It’s real. Alive.

After they finished, Mandy brought me back into the room. She told me more about what was going on – the father, their struggles with money, and their housing situation. My heart went out to her. With the printed ultrasound pictures in hand, I walked Zoe through her options, helping her understand what the abortion pill does. We also discussed the choices of parenting and adoption. She was overwhelmed.

After she had time to digest it all, I said, “We have a parenting support program right here. We can find out what resources you need and get you connected with plenty of support.”

Zoe sat still for a long time.

I asked my new friend, “Would you consider coming back for a second ultrasound in a few weeks?”

“No, I’m good.”

She left without another word.

The next day, I called Zoe to see how she was doing and left an encouraging message asking if she needed any additional support. Before we closed for a holiday the following day, I called again and left another message.

Before we closed, Zoe finally called back, “Thank you for your calls. I didn’t go through with it. I didn’t take the pill.”

I silently thanked God, then said, “We’re here for you. Would you like to sign up for our parenting program?”

Zoe said, “I would really like that.”

When she came in for her next visit I gave her a clipboard and she started on the paperwork with shaking hands. I folded my hands on my lap. “I can tell you’re having a hard time. Would you like to talk?”

“No.”

She answered the questions on the form and then arrived at the option for support for pregnancy loss. Zoe checked the box labeled grief support and handed me the clipboard.

I gave a warm smile. “Our grief support person had a cancellation and is free right now. Would you like to meet with her?”

She nodded.

I don’t know everything they talked about, but an hour and a half later, Zoe left our office looking like a different person on her way to healing. Today, Zoe is still involved in our parenting program.

Women come to Clarity Clinic in different categories:

Abortion Vulnerable clients are undecided about pregnancy, but they are in a position where they may be pressured by a family member or boyfriend to have an abortion.

Abortion Minded clients are considering ending their pregnancy, have thought through their options, and may already have an appointment scheduled for an abortion or have the pill in hand.

We meet the mothers where they are in their journey and gently educate and counsel them without pressure.

No money is exchanged between Clarity and clients. All of our services are free.

Funds are provided by generous local donors. A donation of $1200 saves a baby.

*names changed