When you think of a "crisis pregnancy," what age client do you usually picture? Most of us think of a young teenager or possibly a college student, but this is not always the case.

What we have found at Hope Pregnancy Center is an unexpected pregnancy can be a crisis at any age. Not long ago, we had a client who is a great example of just that.

Jenny* called Hope and spoke with the nurse about the fact that she was 40 and pregnant. She needed to know how far along she was because she was going to have an abortion. The nurse talked with her for awhile and Jenny scheduled an appointment for later that same day.

When she got to the pregnancy center, Jenny was visibly nervous and uncomfortable. A volunteer took her to a room and began to talk to her about the pregnancy and her plans. During the visit Jenny said she didn't have any children but she always wanted them. She said, "I have always wanted to be a mom, but I just can't right now." The volunteer noticed that Jenny said this several times and took the opportunity to talk to her about the emotional consequences she would experience if she chose to have an abortion. Jenny cried as she said, "I know. It will kill me, but I just can't do this right now. I need to have an abortion."

In a little while, Jenny was taken by the nurse for an ultrasound. The volunteer was in the room with them as they began the ultrasound. As the nurse began to get the measurements needed for the doctor the baby started moving and kicking. She quickly turned the screen toward Jenny. She gasped and said, "Oh my gosh! Is that it?" She started to weep as she watched her baby kick back and forth. The nurse and volunteer let Jenny cry for a while and after she calmed down the volunteer asked, "Is that what you expected to see?" She said, "No. Not at all." As the ultrasound continued the baby put on a show, and it was determined Jenny was 13 weeks pregnant. During the ultrasound she said, "There's no way I can have an abortion after seeing this."

After the ultrasound the volunteer talked to Jenny about the Earn While You Learn Program and encouraged her to come for support during the pregnancy. The nurse and volunteer prayed with Jenny before she left and she said, "Thank you so much for seeing me today and helping me. I feel so much better." She left with picture of her "blessing" and a smile on her face.

At Hope, we know a pregnancy can be a crisis at 12 or 50, and we are here to help bring hope to those God brings our way.

*Not client's real name

Hope Pregnancy Centers
Oklahoma City, OK
Candy Hines, State Director and South Center Director

All Pregnancy Medical Clinics in the Option Ultrasound Program provide limited obstetrical ultrasound as medically indicated. Clinics are licensed to operate under the supervision of a physician, using only trained sonographers. Focus on the Family does not endorse the use of ultrasound outside of a medical clinic setting and does not endorse the use of ultrasound for non-medical reasons. Patient referrals are made to physicians for follow-up diagnosis and care as needed.