Jessica was living a quiet life as a graphic designer when an unexpected discovery turned her world upside down. At 32, single, and devoted to her career, she found herself staring at a positive pregnancy test. Her mind raced with confusion and fear, exacerbated by the demands of her job and her struggle with depression, for which she was on antidepressants.
The baby’s father, a brief “fling,” was adamant about not wanting a child and pressured Jessica to get an abortion. Her mother, overwhelmed by her own worries, echoed his sentiments. Alone and conflicted, Jessica worried about the effects of her medication on the baby and whether she could handle the responsibilities of motherhood.
In her search for the nearest abortion clinic, a different result popped up on her screen—an advertisement for a local pregnancy help center. On impulse, she clicked through and scheduled an appointment.
Walking into the pregnancy help center the following week, Jessica was met with warmth and understanding. She sat down with a client advocate, a kind woman who listened intently as Jessica shared her fears and her faith. “I believe in Jesus,” Jessica confessed, “but I’m so overwhelmed. I feel guilty for even thinking about…not going through with the pregnancy.”
The advocate offered gentle reassurance, not judgment, and suggested a complementary ultrasound. As the cool gel spread over her belly and the room filled with the soft patter of the baby’s heartbeat, Jessica saw the tiny flicker of life on the screen—seven weeks old, the size of a blueberry but as significant as the world itself.
Tears streamed down her face as a profound sense of connection washed over her. “No way could I end this little life,” she whispered, her voice a mix of awe and determination. The advocate squeezed her hand, sharing in the moment of revelation.
With newfound resolve, Jessica chose to embrace the challenges ahead. The center’s RN connected her with an obstetrician who specialized in managing pregnancies alongside mental health concerns. They discussed how to safely manage her antidepressants and prepared for a journey filled with unknowns but also filled with hope.
Jessica left the center that day transformed, not just by the life growing inside her, but by the support and understanding she received when she needed it most. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she was ready to face the future as a mother, strengthened by faith and unexpected joy.