WELCOME TO AMERICA by Natasha Severino
"She already took the morning after pill... it did not work"
As "Neha" came in for her pregnancy test, I noticed right away how unique she was. She was very pretty, Indian and dressed in a crisp, linen suit. She had on beautiful, ornate gold jewelry which hinted to her native country. Her demeanor was soft and gentle. Upon reading her intake form, I noticed an email address that started with Dr. and then the rest of her name.
After a positive pregnancy test, "Neha" and I started talking about her situation. She began to tell me how she already took the "morning after pill," but obviously it didn’t work. She still wanted to abort. RU-486 was the next alternative. She came to Choices for the ultrasound and to see if the pregnancy was ectopic (developing in the tube).
She was a general practitioner in India and a non practicing Hindu. I shared my Christian beliefs and she told me her brother, a graduate of Duke University, was a born-again Christian! He sent a bible to her a few years ago. I explained God had a perfect plan for her, and the fact that she was still pregnant, meant He had a plan for her baby as well. Her feelings were shifting. She decided if the ultrasound showed a viable pregnancy, she would parent.
I described Choices’ services and commitment to helping new moms. I assured her that all of our services were free. She was stunned. She asked, "How is this possible?" My response: "God is good and our doors remain open through the generous donations of supporters who believe in our mission. We’ve been here for over 13 years." She said, "You are doing such good work here and you are so nice. Thank you, thank you." At that moment she raised her arms up and exclaimed, "Welcome to America" and in perfect sequence I lifted my arms and said, "Welcome to America!"
During the ultrasound we saw the heartbeat and I asked "Neha" how she was feeling and she said, "I am happy." Her boyfriend accompanied her. They left that night excited and happy about the new life ahead of them. They returned the following week for another ultrasound just to be sure the pregnancy was on track, and, of course, in God’s perfect will, it was!
|
