The receptionist came back to my office to inform me that a ruckus was occurring in the waiting room. The mother of a very young, pregnant patient was at her wits end with her daughter, and the entire waiting room felt the struggle. So, I quickly brought the patient back to the advocate room to have a conversation. She immediately told me that she didn’t want to be here. I asked why only to learn that she did not want an abortion. Her mom brought her to have a pre-abortion screening, which helps us have a real conversation with the pregnant mom while actually diagnosing the pregnancy. I smiled and quickly reassured her that this is exactly where she wanted to be! For me and the patient, the room instantly went from very stressful to peaceful, but the patient still had to return to her home.
As her story unfolded, I learned that her mom, who was also a patient, brought her to the clinic to have her pregnancy diagnosed. Although she never talks about it, her mom had had an abortion when she was young, and she kept it hidden down deep. However, our young patient knew that she carried a baby and could never do that. As it is, she cared for her 1 year old sister and loved doing it!
With family tensions pegged on high, her brother attempted to punch her in the stomach to force an abortion. The father of the baby told her he didn’t want another baby, since he is already the father of a newborn, which he deems enough. This young patient stood alone against the odds. She endured getting yelled at and belittled, but she remained strong in her conviction that she could not kill a baby.
Fast forward a few days, and the patient came to the clinic with the father of the baby. This time for STI treatment. The discussion that ensued revealed a lot about the struggle and their character. Both of them denied ‘cheating’ on the other one, but in the end, the father of the baby simply said, “We can’t know. So, let’s just move on.” The room became calm, allowing Sara, the nurse, to explain the disease and its cure. The father vowed to attend every single prenatal appointment. Hearts changed. Peace reigned.
Our young patient and the baby’s father are staying with us for prenatal care. Our patient’s mom is staying engaged. Everyone is onboard with birth and looking forward to a baby! The patient’s poverty of spirit and humility allowed her to trust in God’s perfect timing. In the midst of conflict, the Holy Spirit secretly works miracles.