“I know I need an abortion,” Katrina murmured out loud, trying to convince herself while holding her positive pregnancy test.
Katrina thought abortion made the most sense. She was a mother in her forties already caring for her middle-school-aged child while also navigating the challenges of immigrating to the US. She worried about finances and adjusting to a new environment as a family, and the idea of having a baby was the farthest from her plans.
Advanced Maternal Age Pregnancy
An advanced maternal age pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy at or after the age of 35. AMA women are often considered as carrying high-risk pregnancies. Katrina, being in her forties, was concerned that her preborn baby’s health was at risk. She also worried about her own body’s ability to carry a pregnancy like she had at a younger age.
As women age, their fertility decreases and they are more susceptible to complications during pregnancy such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor. These concerns amplified Katrina’s apprehension toward her unplanned pregnancy.
However, new research suggests that a woman’s age matters less than her physical health. Dr. Kecia Gaither explains, “If nothing else is going on with her health, a woman’s ability to conceive is the same after 35.”
Prayer in the Waiting
Katrina was overwhelmed and didn’t know where to turn until she found a PreBorn! Network Clinic and made an appointment. She sat nervously in the waiting room, trying to compose her emotions. But as soon as she spoke with her client advocate, she burst into tears.
In Katrina’s home country, abortion is illegal. She hadn’t even considered the idea until now. She loved babies and knew life was precious. But at this moment, it seemed like the easiest solution to her current predicament.
Katrina’s client advocate was able to calm her fears. She listened intently as her client advocate compassionately discussed all of her options, including the impact the decision to abort could have on her.
Together, they discussed God’s faithfulness and love for Katrina, as she already had faith in Jesus. Katrina agreed to be prayed over, asking for wisdom and protection over her and her baby’s health. She was assured that God would take care of her and work out every last detail.
Because of her hesitancy about the abortion, Katrina agreed with her client advocate that waiting to book her abortion appointment would be best.
Choosing Life
When Katrina returned to the Clinic for a second visit, she had made her decision. She found peace in submitting her plans to God. She told her client advocate, “I know I can do this.”
Katrina encountered a newfound hope and determination by finding rest in Jesus, bringing all of her burdens to His feet. Jesus instructed us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV).
Despite the uncertainties surrounding her situation, Katrina found strength in God and felt assured knowing people were willing to walk alongside her during this stretching season. She signed up for the Clinic’s parenting class and began praying openly, walking alongside her client advocate in a mentorship role.
Now, she is grateful for that difficult time because it led her to lean on God. Instead of regret, she has gratitude for the courage she had to choose life despite all the challenges she faced. While thoughts of abortion caused anxiety in Katrina’s heart, she ultimately found peace in Jesus. She knew He would faithfully carry her burdens so she could love and care for a new baby while juggling all of her other circumstances.
Conclusion
Because of your support and generosity, PreBorn! Network Clinics like the one Katrina found can offer a myriad of resources completely free to moms facing unplanned pregnancies. PreBorn! Network Clinics offer comprehensive care to address each woman’s emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.
Because of your heart for women like Katrina, PreBorn! Network Clinics can offer services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI testing, counseling, ongoing assistance, parenting classes and mentoring, sexual health and education, post-abortion support, material assistance, and so much more.
Katrina’s story is just one of many that highlight the impact that PreBorn! Network Clinics have on women’s lives. Despite every fear and lie from the enemy, Katrina turned to God. She embraced the call of motherhood on her life by casting all her burdens on Jesus.
