Over 1 million women annually make a decision to end their pregnancy, and over 60% chose to do that by getting pills through the mail, instead of driving to a clinic. And unfortunately, upwards of 30% of those women will suffer an injury because of their choice. - Clint Decker
Olivia left home for college during the summer to pursue her dreams. It was hard for her parents to say goodbye. It was tough for her too, because she loved her dad and mom a lot. She also said goodbye to her youth pastor that had been such a big help through so many things. (Image from Freepik)
Within a few days after classes began, she met Lucas. They hit it off right away and things moved fast. Too fast, as they were spending a lot of time alone together. A few weeks after dating, she started feeling like something was not right. She panicked about what it might be. After several days of wrestling with the idea, she took “the test.”
“Oh no!”, she gasped. “This was not supposed to happen!” Oliva’s mind raced, thinking what her parents, her church and others might think. She grabbed her phone and started searching for answers. Soon she found herself staring at a screen that provided an option that would take care of everything. “No way!” she thought, “This goes against everything I have been taught.” But as she sat there, she told herself, “I have to do this. There is no other option.” Oliva filled out the online form in her dorm room, and days later she received a package in the mail. Nervously she opened it, pulled out the pills and held them in her hand while she read the instructions in how to end her pregnancy.
Last year over 1 million women like Olivia made that decision, and over 60% chose getting pills by mail, instead of driving to a clinic. Upwards of 30% of women will suffer an injury because of their choice. And college age women, like Olive, make up 66% of those ending their pregnancy.
Why do they do it? Some are not ready for parenthood, seeing how a baby would interfere with college studies, work or other pursuits. Other women are already single moms and cannot afford another child and others know they are carrying a baby who would have life-long disabilities.
For those who are pregnant and facing the same decision as Olivia, there is a better way, there is hope. The first step on this path is a woman recognizing she is carrying another life inside her. It is not just a “fetus” or a “blob of tissue”, but another human life. Pursing an ultrasound will show her viability, like a detectable heartbeat, a sign of life. It will also reveal the gestational age of the baby, to see how far along the pregnancy is, and will show the location of the baby, to see if it is developing inside or outside the uterus.
Hope is also found in adoption. There are between 1 to 2 million couples waiting to adopt. When a woman chooses not to raise her baby for whatever reason, there are numerous loving parents who stand ready to help. Have hope for yourself and hope for that little life inside you.
What about God? What does He want? God says to you, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” (Jer. 1:5) The Bible also declares, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13-14). Since God is the Creator of all life, why would He want a doctor, mother or father to end what He created?
When a woman is facing a crisis pregnancy, it is an overwhelming experience. Yet, God tells her, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Why? Because when you trust Him, He promises to be with you. Choose Jesus, choose life and He will provide for all your needs. Today, if you need help call Heartbeat International at 1-800-712-4357.
A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for young women who are facing the biggest decision of their lives, wondering if they should keep their baby or not. Help them to turn to you and find help in their hour of need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
