Did you see the beautiful picture of Ari and her baby girl? She and her husband Austin welcomed little Nina earlier this year. We got to meet Nina while she was still in mommy’s womb.
Earlier this month we had another client come to see our nurse. This client was17 years old and we’ll call her Ana. She came with her mother though mom waited outside at the start. Ana’s boyfriend unfortunately did not accompany her to the appointment. After the initial scan the nurse noted she was measuring 7 weeks and 3 days. Ana stated she had been on birth control pills but “may have skipped some.” Ana’s opening comments were very direct. She stated she wanted an abortion. She’s too young and cannot support a baby. She lacked the uncertainty that most of our clients tend to exhibit
Notably she said her boyfriend does not want her to abort. He is “religious”. He does not want her to have an abortion if “it already has hands and feet and stuff.”
Our nurse patiently went over fetal development and showed her that, in fact, her baby has everything he or she needs to grow into a full human being.
All he or she needs? Time.
Ana and our nurse discussed how an abortion would not just make things “go away” and that she would have to deal with her decision in some capacity. She shared details with Ana of other options, encouragements, and the abundance of resources at her disposal. After the ultrasound Ana just continued to nod and say “yes”. Our nurse wondered if anything was getting through or was Ana just waiting to make her escape?
This leads me to my ask. What we need more than anything else right now is prayers. Prayers for our nurses who have the massive job of often literally fighting for the life of a child. Talking and convincing and encouraging and guiding – and all the while questioning themselves. Questioning their methods. Speculating on whether or not anything they did or said made a life altering impact or were their words no where near enough. As far as Ana. We don’t know. And most likely will not know. And our nurse has to just keep going. Their many doubts notwithstanding. In the end true faith in Him is all we really have.
On Saturday September 20th our nurses, Barb, Carrie, and Elizabeth, will be in attendance at our annual Gala dinner. It is a night of celebration, raising funds, and coming together to serve Next Step as Next Step time and time again serves those in need, mother and child, at their most vulnerable.
We need your support. In every capacity you are able. Prayers. Funds. Supplies. Prayers again. Our nurses need your backing.
Purchase your tickets here:https://nssupport.org/gala2025/
Early Bird Pricing available until this Friday August 15th.
If you cannot attend but want to ensure our nurses are cared for so they can continue to provide you can do so here and choose Gala Donation
https://nssupport.org/donate/
Thank you for you for not only considering support but
turning hope into action.