I know that to some, I’m going to sound like a dinosaur for saying what I’m about to. But because I’ve lived to see and understand the truth of it, and because today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, it’s important.
There are a gazillion choices we confront in our lives, at every stage. When I was a young woman, I did not even think about the choice not to have sex before I was married. Although I knew my parents wouldn’t approve, and it never really did feel right, I was never taught why it was wrong to give myself away. I just knew that if I did get pregnant, I could have an abortion. And that’s what happened…more than once.
Abstinence sounds archaic, but it is a valid choice. One that removes ever having to even consider abortion.
But if abstinence is not practiced and an unplanned pregnancy does occur, abortion is not the only choice. Not today. There are scores of pregnancy centers that exist across the country that come alongside women (and men, if they choose to be involved) to help them make their decision. Soundview Pregnancy Services is an example, offering free counseling, medical services and aid. One of their services is providing ultrasounds. And when women see the truth of the baby living in their womb and hear their tiny heartbeat, most women choose not to abort. Some choose (with the centers’ help and support) to become parents. Others choose to give the baby up for adoption.
If these choices had been available to me way back when, I might now have two more people to love. I can't help but wonder.
There are a gazillion choices we confront in our lives, at every stage. When I was a young woman, I did not even think about the choice not to have sex before I was married. Although I knew my parents wouldn’t approve, and it never really did feel right, I was never taught why it was wrong to give myself away. I just knew that if I did get pregnant, I could have an abortion. And that’s what happened…more than once.
Abstinence sounds archaic, but it is a valid choice. One that removes ever having to even consider abortion.
But if abstinence is not practiced and an unplanned pregnancy does occur, abortion is not the only choice. Not today. There are scores of pregnancy centers that exist across the country that come alongside women (and men, if they choose to be involved) to help them make their decision. Soundview Pregnancy Services is an example, offering free counseling, medical services and aid. One of their services is providing ultrasounds. And when women see the truth of the baby living in their womb and hear their tiny heartbeat, most women choose not to abort. Some choose (with the centers’ help and support) to become parents. Others choose to give the baby up for adoption.
If these choices had been available to me way back when, I might now have two more people to love. I can't help but wonder.
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