My husband Pat and I had recently moved to Washington D.C. and had just found out we were having twins a few weeks after we settled in. We were far from our family, friends, and church, and found ourselves isolated. At my week twenty ultrasound of the babies, my doctor said, “Baby B is really small, and that’s not good. I suggest you selectively reduce the pregnancy so Baby A turns out normal. If you don’t, both babies could suffer.” My husband and I were now facing a decision that sounded so easy when preached from the pulpit. At the very suggestion that I reduce my pregnancy and lose Baby B, it was very important for me to find a new doctor. Little did this doctor know, his words created in me a fierce and devoted advocate for the sanctity of life.
Back home, we had an incredible support system that wanted us to choose life and protect the twins no matter what long term health complications could result. Our church community truly embraced us as a family, and surrounded us in prayer and encouragement, consistently reminding us of how the Lord provides in times of need. I remember feeling at peace after a phone call with one church member where we discussed what it was going to be like to have the inevitable C-section. Our family learned firsthand how the Lord is faithful to sustain us through each day, and surrounds us with a compassionate community to care for our needs. Many women facing unplanned pregnancies don’t have that same support and may have a doctor, family member, or friend pressuring them to end their pregnancy. The Women’s Pregnancy Care Clinic and Bundles of Baby Blessings (BBB) is a small way in which our Lake Avenue Church family can support women in our neighborhood who choose to let only God determine the number of days each baby is given.
I would like to raise awareness about groups that not only encourage women to keep their babies, but also support women after babies are born. On top of formula and diapers for a healthy baby, I know what it’s like to also worry about paying for endless doctor’s appointments, medical bills, and prescriptions for those who still fight for life even after being born. Every mother knows that being a new mom is extremely overwhelming, especially trying to figure out what’s best for a new little life. How much more difficult it must be for moms who don’t have someone to walk alongside them to encourage and help them.
We were blessed with a church family that walked each step of the way with us. BBB is one of the best ways to make a difference and support women who have made the brave decision to choose life. We need to show the world that choosing life may be extremely difficult, but that the Church fiercely and passionately defends the sanctity of life. Maybe one day, my old doctor will come to know that my son (“Baby B”), though born at only 1 lb., 9 oz., is now a healthy, happy preschooler who is just as fierce and passionate as his mother. Want to support? Visit the Bundles of Baby Blessings webpage.