A STORY OF HOPE

Jillian’s Journey

Jillian is poised, well-groomed and neatly dressed as she enters our center with her three-year-old daughter in tow. Jillian is at the center for a pregnancy test and possibly an ultrasound. She hopes to one day become a clinical psychologist. If she is pregnant again, she fears that her plans are at risk. . . Her education was already interrupted by the birth of her daughter, Nyla.

Jillian is in her early 20s, but her demeanor belies maturity beyond her years. As she digs into her bag, pulling out some toys for her little girl, she carefully begins to share her situation: She and her boyfriend have been on-again, off-again for the past few years. Recently they broke up again, and this time Jillian thinks they will not reunite. Even though their relationship was challenging, the prospect of facing a pregnancy on her own is daunting. Her sad expression and low tone of voice reveal her discouragement.

Jillian decided last month to move with her daughter to her grandmother’s apartment so that she can care for her grandmother while she awaits placement in a memory care residence. When grandma moves, Jillian will need to find new housing.

With so many factors up in the air, Jillian is feeling like a possible new pregnancy is one stressor too many. In a very quiet voice, almost whispering, she says that she is considering not going forward with the pregnancy if her test is positive. She never uses the word ‘abortion’ and is clearly uncomfortable with her perceived need to consider it. She shifts in her chair and gazes down at the floor as she explains that “the timing of this is all off.”

Jillian’s pregnancy test returned positive. An ultrasound showed she was ten weeks along. After a quiet moment she said, “Seeing the baby on the ultrasound makes it very hard.”

Jillian requested information about chemical abortion otherwise known as the abortion pill. Staff provided materials from the state health department explaining the medication and risks. She then met with client advocate Cindy to review her options.

Cindy guided Jillian through a short exercise weighing abortion, parenting, and adoption. As Cindy read Jillian’s answers back to her, Jillian quickly realized her decision. “It’s clear that carrying my baby feels right. There’s a lot of positivity in what I said.”

Jillian enrolled in the Center’s education and coaching programs and connected with a resource specialist for support with housing, education, and childcare.

Before leaving, Cindy found a warm coat for Jillian and a snowsuit and boots for Nyla. Smiling, Jillian said, “I am so happy I found this place,” as they headed to the car. Staff watched them drive away, now preparing for life as a family of three.