To be Known and Loved
Berenice had just found out she was pregnant, scared and alone she felt like she didn’t have any other choice but to abort…but God had a different plan for Berenice. Berenice arrived at Planned Parenthood for her abortion consultation when Denise (Side-walk Counselor) called her over to talk with her… this conversation would change both of their lives forever.
“I started talking with Berenice as she pulled up and I could tell she was distraught and had been crying. So I approached her. I said you can come talk to me. I can give you some information about a free women’s clinic and we can help you. She was very hesitant at first. She told me, ‘I didn’t want to be rude so I came over to talk with you.” Denise, Sidewalk Counselor
“Denise asked me why I was there and I didn’t want to tell anyone that I was going to get an abortion so I told Denise that I was going in for birth control. I have always been against abortion but I felt like I didn’t have a choice. After talking to Denise, I told her I was actually there for an abortion consultation. I was living with my first two kids grandmother and I felt bad that I was going to have a baby with a different man. I wasn’t doing well financially. I was going through a lot at the time, I didn’t finish school and had my first baby very young, at the age of 16.” Berenice, LCWC patient
“We talked close to an hour. She was very convinced that she didn’t have a choice, she needed to have the abortion. I noticed she was wearing a bracelet with the Virgin Mary medallion. I asked her if she believed in God and she said yes but I just don’t think I can have another baby.” Denise, Sidewalk Counselor
“Denise was really kind and sweet, she prayed for me after we talked. She told me she could take me to a clinic and we went to the one on McDowell. I had the ultrasound done by Sherry (Nurse Practitioner) I told her about my situation and Sherry encouraged me to talk to Sheila. We drove to the North clinic the same day and Sheila talked to me about my living situation and financial problems. Sheila offered me to live at the apartment so I could finish school and save money to get my own place.” Berenice, LCWC patient
Sheila was able to get her set up in the emergency shelter and asked me if I was in it for the long haul and I said absolutely! We went to the house that she was staying at and were able to fit everything she owned into the back of my vehicle. We helped her move int
o the LCWC apartment. I’ve been in touch with her ever since. I’ve just been trying to be a mentor to her and the kids. She was my very first turn around, it was very emotional for both of us. I want to stay in their life and help them in any way that I can.” Denise, Sidewalk Counselor
At first I was kind of skeptical that people would be giving me a place to live and help me. I knew I had to make the decision, I wanted to give my kids and myself a better life. My kids and I have a roof over our heads, food to eat, and we have all the support from the Clinic. Sheila’
s always telling me to call her if I ever need anything. Being able to live in the apartment has been a big blessing. My kids love it here. You guys do a lot for us. I was so lost and lonely and I have been able to find myself here. I like to read the bible Denise gave me, it h
as helped me a lot when I feel lonely. I want to be able to provide a good life for me and my kids and that is what I am working towards” Berenice, LCWC patient.
God has used us all in Berenice and her baby’s story. God desires us to have heart that is open to do His calling, to love His people like He loves us. We are so grateful for all of our donors. Your prayers and support have been able to allow us to reach more women each year.
Idalia shared her story in a video that was featured in our Fervent Prayers Virtual Fundraiser. If you would like to view the recorded event, please visit www.Pro-LifeArizona.com and click on Fervent Prayers webinar replay.
As the shelter in place order was established, Life Choices Women’s Clinic was ready to serve the community by implementing serious precautions in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Our staff had the choice to self-isolate by working from home or coming to the clinic to work.
Despite the unknown concerns about the virus we knew that our life-saving services were needed now more than ever. We decided to go back to the basics by serving women who were in need of pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and urgent medical care. We continued to take the Hope Mobile Clinic to Glendale Planned Parenthood, as we knew expecting mothers would be overwhelmed with fear in the midst of the pandemic.
After finding out about her pregnancy, Idalia was driven to Planned Parenthood by a woman whose objective was to pressure her to get an abortion. Idalia saw the Hope Mobile Clinic as a beacon of hope. She walked away from Planned Parenthood as her ride urged her not to go on the Hope Mobile. Once on board, Peg Kline, RN, offered counseling and performed the ultrasound. Everything changed when Idalia heard her baby’s heartbeat for the first time; it was in that moment that she made the choice to carry her baby to term.
While the world was sheltering in place, Idalia’s belongings were packed into two suitcases and she was evicted from her home. As she sat on the curb in front of the house to collect her thoughts and call for help, the police were called to force her to move from the public sidewalk. She called Peg from the Hope Mobile and told her what had happened after she left the clinic. Peg arranged for someone to pick her up and put her into a weekly motel; it was a safe place for her to regroup and plan for her future.
Idalia has moved into an apartment of her own where she is building security. We are so proud of the direction Idalia is heading; we know God has great plans for her and her precious baby!
The following is a true story, but details have been withheld to protect family privacy .
When I first met her, she just couldn’t see her way to care for another child and deal with the complications of this pregnancy. She understood abortion was wrong, but felt like she had no other choice. She arrived at Planned Parenthood for her abortion pill appointment and when one of our staff members caught her attention she walked over to the Hope Mobile Clinic. I was hopeful she would accept our help and save the baby’s life after seeing the 8-week baby on the ultrasound and hearing the heartbeat. She felt the intense pressure to get rid of this pregnancy but the ultrasound image of her baby would stay on her mind. She left the Hope Mobile Clinic still feeling unsure and she made the decision to keep her appointment at Planned Parenthood and end the pregnancy with the abortion pill. She left Planned Parenthood feeling more conflicted than ever.
After a difficult night, knowing her baby was dying inside her, she remembered the Abortion Pill Reversal pamphlet she had received on the Hope Mobile Clinic and called the APR Hotline nurse. Debby helped her get started on progesterone, and referred her back to our clinic to continue her care. The progesterone had side effects, causing her tiredness and nausea.
The next thirty weeks were very difficult with physical safety and family security put at jeopardy all due to the pregnancy. On the day of this child’s birth, her mother felt the value of her baby’s worth and that it outweighed all the difficult circumstances. Life didn’t magically get easier, but there was a little more love to fill a hurting family. Difficulties didn’t subside, but the difference was that she was not alone…she had support from Life Choices Women’s Clinics.
– Sheila Riely
“With this pregnancy, I did three pregnancy tests at home and started my prenatal care with a doctor but when I was given the positive result for HIV, I kept thinking, it can’t be, it can’t be. All I could think of was that this was horrible and something only young people get for all their stupidities and I was worried my baby would pay for this.” After receiving the positive result for HIV, Isabelle recalled the time she had a pregnancy test and ultrasound performed at Life Choices Women’s Clinic. “My previous pregnancy was a miscarriage, I was very frightened because there was no heartbeat on the ultrasound. I remember how helpful the nurse was towards me.”
Feeling a strong sense of trust towards our staff and services, she decided to retest for HIV through Life Choices. “This time I thought, I will go there for another test… they confirmed what I already knew. I got a call to come in to the clinic, the nurse could not give the result by phone so I knew something was bad. When I was given my results I remember hearing, ‘don’t get desperate, don’t lose hope. The nurse reminded Isabelle that she is very special and that God will be there for her. I was told that, ‘in this day and age, people do not suffer like they did and they do not die like they did in the past.’ The nurse gave me the phone number for a person at another clinic that helps people with this (HIV diagnosis) and the nurse at Life Choices made the appointment for me.” Isabelle followed-up as our nurse instructed and we made it a priority to emotionally support her by keeping in contact throughout her pregnancy.
“I knew it would be difficult without the father of the baby involved. I had been in a relationship in the past with a man who was violent and I grew up in a violent home. I was all alone because I asked the police to intervene with the domestic violence. But Life Choices was very supportive and told me what I needed to do…I found the care I needed. The counselor kept telling me, ‘we need to hold on to our faith. God is there for us.’ I had taken the Morning After Pill that did not work. I considered abortion, but when it was explained by Eva (pregnancy counselor), I knew it was not something I could do. I really believe a lot of credit should be given to this clinic for all they did for me. They helped me feel comfortable.”
We are happy to announce that she delivered a beautiful, healthy baby. She has since continued to receive HIV treatment; Isabelle and her baby are doing well. We ask that you please keep this precious family in your thoughts and prayers.
Isabelle (Name has been changed for her privacy)
Dominique discovered she was pregnant and called life Choices Women’s Clinics seeking information about abortion. At the clinic, she met the nurse and received an ultrasound that changed everything. She was offered words of encouragement and counseling from caring staff that gave her hope. She left the clinic “excited and scared” putting her trust in God. She now has a precious little boy named Elijah.
I had found myself lost and without a way out. We had just lost our apartment and all our belongings. To me, the news of me expecting another child felt like I could not bring another child into this world. This baby was going to be #5. I called Life Choices to get information on abortion. I made an appointment and when they did an ultrasound on me, I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing. My husband and I found ourselves feeling guilty of even thinking about abortion when such a precious gift from God was forming inside me. Life Choices changed my life, not only mine but also helped my family through the most difficult times. They helped us to keep our family together, and prevented us from homelessness. I was able to save up enough money to move into a place to call home. My family and I have been blessed with so much and Life Choices has been a big part of that. I am proud to say my blessings are my children, and I am the mother of 5 beautiful children. My 5th blessing is called Isabella.
When I scheduled my appointment at the abortion clinic, I was struggling financially. The pregnancy left me feeling alone and very sick. Daycare was very expensive and I was already struggling. I had no support or family in Arizona, and I felt abortion was the only option. I prayed that God would take this pregnancy away. I called Life Choices Women’s Clinics looking for financial help with my abortion. They offered me help instead to carry my pregnancy to full term. It has not been easy, but Life Choices was there for me during a sad and difficult time. They walked me through my options and helped me make a decision I could live with. I realized that kids don’t ask to come into the world, or for their lives to be taken. This baby was a part of me and I was now committed to helping my baby girl to live. After giving birth I was tired and in awe. It was all worth it. Life Choices has continued to be there for me after my pregnancy. I wanted to say thank you because your contribution helps a lot of families.