Unplanned Pregnancy

True Stories from Women Like You

Her Choice: Linda

Born in a war torn country, Linda’s father was killed by terrorists before her first birthday. She and her brothers and sisters often went without food and basic necessities. Her mother remarried, but her stepfather was a violent man who beat the children. Sadly, her mother passed away when Linda was only eight years of age. The house and parcel of land her mother had managed to save for the children through years of war was confiscated by an abusive aunt who became their guardian. She made Linda go to work cleaning houses but wouldn’t let her keep any of the money she earned.

At 12 Linda left home for the city where she found a job as a live-in housekeeper for a kind family. She saved all her money, but somehow when she went back to her hometown for a visit, her aunt stole all her savings. Understandably, Linda became a very angry teenager. She lived for the parties on the weekends and fell into a rough crowd. Another tragedy befell her. She was raped. Now all she wanted to do was kill the man who assaulted her. She wanted to learn witchcraft in order to kill him. It was at that critical, desperate time that her employer’s sister began to spend time with her. This kind woman told her about God Who loved her. She invited Linda to go to church. At first Linda refused, determined to work her revenge. But the woman persisted and finally she agreed to go.

The two had to walk several miles to get to the church. Linda says she remembers nothing about the sermon, only the verse of scripture the pastor read, John 3:16, familiar to many, but brand new to her: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Linda wept for the first time in years as she responded to God’s love, confessing her sins and inviting Jesus into her life. She says she felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders as she left the church that night.

Shortly afterward Linda had a dream that she would go to America. Several months went by. One day a stranger came to her door. He said she needed to pack quickly because she was leaving tomorrow for New York! An uncle whom she had never met, was sponsoring her to come to the United States. She had to travel many days by bus with this man to reach the international airport. But she felt God saying to her, “don’t be afraid.” She clung to those words through several brushes with danger on the road.

It was truly a dream-come-true for this excited, hopeful 17-year-old to arrive in America. Linda’s uncle wanted her to make the most of her opportunity, requiring that she work hard, study hard in school and no flirting with boys! Linda was happy to comply. Her other priority was to go to church, and she asked her uncle if she could go. They found a congregation that spoke her native tongue, and though he wouldn’t go himself, he took her regularly.

A woman in the church took Linda under her wing and trained her to become a dental assistant. She helped Linda improve her English for the new professional environment. Linda excelled at her job, but her friend insisted she still needed her high school diploma. She gave Linda the extra urging she needed to complete her GED. Linda loved her life as an American (she earned her citizenship), a dental assistant and a Christian.

At a church summer youth camp Linda caught the eye of a young Navy seaman. Her past negative experiences with men and her newfound independence made her doubt she would ever marry. Nevertheless she was very drawn to Rick. Much of their eight year romance consisted of letter writing because he was often deployed on ships and stationed overseas.

They were married in 1989. It was an eventful first year for the newlyweds. Rick was transferred to San Diego, their first son was born and Rick was sent to fight in the Persian Gulf War. Linda struggled with loneliness and recurring thoughts that she would lose Rick in the war. She constantly reminded herself of God’s words to her, “don’t be afraid,” and of all He had brought her through thus far.

Rick returned safely and in another year their second son was born. An acquaintance of Linda’s encouraged her to pursue a college degree. When her boys were old enough to go to school, she enrolled in community college classes.

Going back to school filled Linda with the same exhilaration she had felt when she first came to America. So much opportunity! Becoming really well-educated. The possibility of a better income. She had made sacrifices as a Navy wife. She had missed her dental assistant career. Now it was her turn to pursue personal goals and fulfillment. Rick was enthusiastic about her plans as well. He was about to retire from the Navy and would be at entry level in a new job for awhile. Linda’s income would begin just at the right time.

Then Linda began to suspect something that made her heart sink. She might be pregnant. It just couldn’t be, not now. She had to find out. Then she would do something she thought she would never do. She would have an abortion. Now she understood why a woman would do such a thing. Having a baby was the last thing she wanted at this stage of her life. Where could she get a pregnancy test cheap? She remembered a sign she had seen while driving down El Camino Real -- Birth Choice. That sounded like a place that could help. Maybe they could help her pay for the abortion. She’d have to take the boys with her, but she needed to go right away.

A pleasant woman greeted Linda while another assured her she would entertain her boys during the test and intake session. The counselor listened compassionately as Linda poured out her troubles. She told Linda that she deserved to be fully informed before she made a decision.

She showed Linda fetal models and detailed the amazing development of the baby in her womb. She told her about the risks and methods of abortion. Linda cringed. When Linda mentioned that she was a Christian, the counselor reminded her that God had a plan for this baby and would always provide. He would give her the strength she needed to carry her child. When the test result confirmed that she indeed was pregnant, Linda had a good cry, then took courage and decided to give her baby life. When it was time to leave, her boys chattered about what a fun time they had at that nice place, Birth Choice. She knew she had found friendship and support.

Just as she had feared, Linda had a rough pregnancy. She didn’t feel well and the family was under a lot of stress. Rick was overwhelmed by his new job and financial problems. Then he had an auto accident resulting in pain and many weeks of lost work. There were times when the family couldn’t buy groceries. Linda says she was still tempted to abort a number of times when things seemed unbearable. Every time she had an especially low moment her counselor would call and encourage her. When Rick was out of work Birth Choice provided scrip for groceries. During last summer’s heat wave Linda became dehydrated and felt like she was dying. Again the idea that abortion would make her problems go away re-surfaced in her mind. But at that very moment someone from Birth Choice called. Upon hearing Linda’s plight this volunteer bought her a fan. On the day Linda told her counselor she couldn’t afford to replace the crib, stroller and other baby items she had given away long ago, her counselor told her one of our supporters had just donated a crib with bedding and a car seat the day before, all looking brand new! Another supporter with a truck delivered them to her. On another day a stroller was donated which we passed along to her. God was indeed providing everything she and her baby needed.

Near the end of her pregnancy, an ultrasound revealed that Linda’s baby was a girl. Rick was moved to tears. He told Linda he had always wanted a daughter.

Finally the day came when the little girl was born. Her parents were thrilled. How the volunteers celebrated this baby’s life when Linda brought her to Birth Choice! As we took turns holding and cuddling her, Linda exclaimed, “To think God wanted to bless me with this little girl, and I almost didn’t let Him!”

Linda and her family are inspiration to know. She has blessed the staff at Birth Choice with her openness, gratitude and perseverance in trials. We blessed her with the truth about the value of her baby’s life, affirmation of her faith in God Who had brought her through a childhood of horrendous difficulty and would not fail her now, and with our material resources which our faithful supporters make possible. Above all, a beautiful little girl, the pride and joy of her family and the special creation of God, is alive.

© Birth Choice, Inc. 1999-2008.
Site design by Terwilliger Web Development Services.
Feel free to print articles for personal use or sharing with friends, but no part of the site including text, graphics, or any other content may be used for profit under any circumstances.