Just before closing one night, a young woman came to Women’s Center- East Dayton looking disheveled and overwhelmed; we will call her Jenny. Jenny is in her 30s, divorced, lives with roommates and is involved in a long-term relationship. After making an appointment online, Jenny came to our office requesting a pregnancy test and information on abortion. She fully intended on aborting the baby, if she were pregnant.
The pregnancy test was positive, and Jenny again voiced her desire to have an abortion. From her intake form as well as the consultation, it was clear that Jenny struggled with substance abuse. Her life was in a downward spiral, and she could not imagine having a baby at this time. Jenny disclosed that she had been using heroin and cocaine. After discussing possibilities for rehabilitation, it was clear that Jenny had made the effort to find help, but had come up empty-handed.
Following the consultation, Jenny was offered an ultrasound. During the ultrasound, Jenny was able to see her baby and hear the heartbeat. Immediately, she was crying and very emotional. Her boyfriend came back to view the ultrasound and was very supportive. When he was asked about his feelings regarding the baby, he replied that he would support Jenny in her decision, but felt that maybe this was God’s way of getting Jenny clean and sober. Jenny was very conflicted, because she just could not see how she could handle being pregnant and carrying a baby at this time in her life. She very much wanted to “take care of this problem” and move on.
Being able to connect to the client on several levels, the ultrasound technician offered encouragement and hope for the client. After contacting a number of agencies, Jenny was given a referral to help her find assistance for her drug addiction. Ironically, Jenny would be given this opportunity only because she was pregnant and seeking help. Jenny agreed to contact this agency in the morning and left the office, still undecided about what she would do with the pregnancy.
When we called Jenny a few days later, she sounded so much better. She and her boyfriend had decided to keep the baby, and she was in contact with recovery program. She felt that it was the connection she made with the caring staff at the center as well as seeing her child and hearing the heartbeat that changed her mind. She was grateful for our help, and hopeful for her future.
Women’s Center-East is located at 4787 Burkhardt Avenue not far from Woodman Drive in Dayton, Ohio. Women can make a free initial appointment online by going to www.womenscenterohio.com and going to the East Dayton location page. To schedule an appointment over the phone or to learn more about the services we provide, call 937-610-7777. We can be reached by email at info@womenscenterohio.com. All Women’s Center-East’s services are free and confidential.
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