Marissa’s Story

Her voice trembled as tears streamed down her face. Life had finally felt stable, she had a secure job, things were going well, and she wasn’t even sure she wanted to be a parent. The father was a friend, and everything suddenly felt complicated.

She sat quietly, bracing herself for the ultrasound. I gently explained her options, making sure she was fully informed about every option, procedure, and possible side effects, assuring her that we were here for her and ready to walk alongside her even if she chose abortion. Still overwhelmed, she whispered,

“It’s just too much.”

During the ultrasound, the baby measured 6.5 weeks. As the image of the baby appeared on the screen, she began to weep again, caught between confusion and emotion. I asked if she’d like a picture of the baby. She nodded yes.

With her permission, we prayed together.

She left that day still unsure, and we continued to pray—hoping she would choose life. Weeks passed. We tried reaching out several times, but it wasn’t until four months later that we finally connected with her by phone. Her voice was different this time—stronger, more certain. “I’m keeping the baby,” she said. She shared that coming into the Clinic and seeing her baby on the ultrasound had helped her make that decision.

Not long after, she walked through our doors again—this time with a glowing smile showing off her baby bump. She was excited, hopeful, and preparing to deliver in just a couple of months.

Michelle Bess, RN