It is just after 8am, and I sit at my desk with a hot cup of coffee waiting for the phone to ring. I’ve just logged in, and she is my first call of the day. 

I clear my throat, pick up the phone, and say “Hi, this is the helpline, how can I help you?” 

The anxious voice of a young woman responds, “My teacher told me about your number, she said that you might be able to help me. I just found out I’m pregnant, and I don’t want to have an abortion, but I don’t feel like I’m stable enough to raise a child.” 

We hear this often “I don’t want to have an abortion, but…” It can be followed by almost any reason: my boyfriend doesn’t want to be a father yet, I don’t have enough money to raise a child, I’m afraid of what my friends will think of me, I’m afraid I won’t be able to finish my education, I don’t know anything about how to take care of a baby. Whatever the reason, these callers already know in their hearts what they really want; that is, to provide their child with the best life possible. 

They are loving mothers who simply need affirmation that they are capable of overcoming whatever challenging circumstances they face by choosing life for their children. They are the reason we do what we do.

In the split second I have to consider the best way to encourage this young woman, her words resound in my mind “I don’t want to have an abortion...” 

“Well, I’m so glad you called us today. I want you to know that there IS help available for women in your situation! Our local pregnancy help centers can offer a number of free services to help throughout the pregnancy, such as: parenting classes, material aid, community referrals, and mentoring. They can help you become the kind of mother you clearly want to be.  Let me find a center nearby, what is your zip code?”

I can hear the relief in her voice as she tells me the zip code, and I locate a pregnancy center nearby that I know will offer the tangible, face-to-face support she needs to face her unique set of challenges. 

“Thank you SO much!” I can tell she is smiling now. I offer one last word of encouragement,

“They will have a trained counselor available to help you sort through your pregnancy options if you are still unsure about what you want to do, but most importantly, I want you to know that there IS support available and you don’t have to do this alone. I wish you, and your little one, the very best!”

She giggles as she expresses heartfelt gratitude again, and we say goodbye. 

We need your generous support to keep Option running each month. 

For just $4 a call or $1,500 a day, you can ensure Option Line will be available 24/7 to reach and rescue lives from abortion. 

Thank you for all you do to reach and rescue lives around the clock, every day!