Finding Out Your Girlfriend Is Pregnant Two days have passed since your girlfriend told you she was pregnant. You spent the last two days angry about the situation, thinking about what to do next. This was not part of your plan and you are feeling the pressure. Not only do you have to consider your own future, but also your girlfriend’s and now a child’s. You consider all this as you and your girlfriend sit in the waiting room at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center). You came to be supportive, but you have no idea what to do. Your girlfriend is scared and you want to be there for her but honestly, you’re scared too. Someone who called themselves an advocate, led your girlfriend into a counseling room and now you are sitting alone with your thoughts.
Someone To Offer Help To You As Well Shortly after, a man walks in and asks how you are doing. He listens as you share some of your concerns. He shares similar information with you that your girlfriend is receiving. He gives accurate information about the effects of abortion and shares adoption and parenting as alternative options. He confirms what you already knew; you need to care and be present during this difficult time. Finally, he lets you know that you are not alone. The pressure seems to subside a little bit as he assures you, “you don’t have to go through this alone.”
First Steps Through the information and compassion you both received at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), you decide to join the Journey’s program which allows you to ask questions, learn, and receive support through the pregnancy process. It is here that you and your girlfriend decide to be parents. You learn how to better support your girlfriend during this emotional process and how to prepare to be a dad.
Your Place For Support After your beautiful child is born, you enroll in the Bridges program. At Bridges you and your girlfriend find great information about parenting, budgeting, and health. You also get to know other moms and dads with similar stories. You and your girlfriend earn points that allow you to “buy” much needed baby items. You find support and encouragement from the male volunteers and your peers. With the help of Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), you won’t have to go through this process alone.
If you are a man who finds himself in a situation where your girlfriend is pregnant and you don’t know where to turn, let us help. We have a male advocate on staff who is here specifically for guys just like you – to listen to, give you options, and provide support for both you and your girlfriend. Begin by making an easy online appointment.
No pressure, just the first step to you getting the answers you need right now.
The following article was written by a practicing, board certified specialist in family medicine with special interests in women’s health issues, obstetrics, prenatal care and gynecology. She has also been extensively trained in the Abortion Pill Reversal process, having performed it successfully for patients. She describes both how it works and her own experience in caring for the women who come to her seeking this process.
Abortion Pill Reversal? That sounded intriguing. I am a family practice physician who also cares for pregnant moms and delivers babies. I was attending a medical conference in Boston when, during a break between lectures, I visited the Exhibition Hall where vendors were advertising and selling their products. One table with the banner “Abortion Pill Reversal” caught my attention. The table was being attended by Dr. George Delgado and an accompanying nurse. As I lingered a few moments, curious about what this hook would be convincing me to purchase, the nurse quickly reassured me it wasn’t a marketing ploy. Dr. Delgado has pioneered a medical treatment protocol specifically designed for women who have taken the abortion pill (mifepristone, or RU-486) for a medical abortion, but then regret their decision before taking the 2nd medication, misoprostol. The nurse wanted to know if I would be interested in being part of the network of providers who are able to offer the protocol.
How the Abortion Pill Works
Typically, medical abortions are offered to women during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy who are wanting to terminate their pregnancies. This gives women the option of not having to undergo a surgical procedure for their abortion and to experience the pregnancy loss at home, rather than in a clinic. A mifepristone pill is given. The mifepristone works by blocking progesterone receptors. Progesterone is a crucial hormone of pregnancy that allows the baby to grow and receive nutrition, so, after the mifepristone, the baby typically dies without the necessary nutrition and hormonal support. The woman is then sent home with another pill, misoprostol, and is instructed to take the second pill by mouth (or sometimes as a vaginal suppository) 1 1/2 to 3 days later. The misoprostol typically induces uterine contractions, so the woman’s body will expel the dead baby.
How the Abortion Pill Reversal Works
The abortion pill reversal protocol uses progesterone (a bioidentical hormone that is naturally present in a woman’s body) to flood the uterus with progesterone with the idea, if there is enough progesterone, it will counteract the effects of the progesterone receptor blockade. Its success rate is reported at 64-68%. Progesterone is completely safe and is associated with no known birth defects.
Since I already use progesterone support extensively in my practice to help decrease my patients’ risk of miscarriage and preterm labor, the concept was not completely foreign to me. I was already familiar with providing progesterone support to pregnant patients, so it was not a great leap for me to sign the page on the clipboard at that medical conference. I provided my contact information and wondered if I would ever be called to help.
The Women Who Came to Me for Abortion Pill Reversal
I didn’t have to wonder long. Since then, I have been called by the Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline team numerous times and have been immersed into the lives of many women in need of compassion and care. This is the way it works: if a woman regrets taking the mifepristone and finds the abortion pill reversal hotline number during an online search, she calls the number and the team reaches out to a provider in the network who is in her geographical area. If the provider is available and willing, the team connects the woman with the provider, so the reversal protocol can be started. I have to admit, with my first call, I was a bit unprepared for the emotional ramifications of connecting with a woman who has just aborted her baby and who is now wanting to consider other options. While their stories are all different, they have a common theme. Each woman whose contact information I receive is experiencing a crisis. The news of her positive pregnancy test has not been met with joy. Sometime, she is not married. Sometimes, she simply has no where to turn. She made the best decision she could. She couldn’t possibly have a baby, at least not now. She went to an abortion provider or purchased the pills online. With one final thought, she swallowed the pill. . . . trying to feel good about the decision, about what she had just done. She realizes relief or satisfaction are not the emotions that are flooding through her brain. Maybe what is nagging her is her moral upbringing that told her an unborn baby is a precious life that should not be destroyed. Maybe it is the disdain she sees in her boyfriends eyes when she gets caught in his glare. Maybe it is the disappointment that she won’t be able to tell her mother that she is about to be a grandmother. Maybe it is the freedom of being away from her boyfriend who would not leave the abortion clinic until she had taken the pill. Maybe it was the beating heart she saw on the ultrasound screen.These are just a few of the reasons my patients have given for wanting to reverse their abortions.
Although the reversal, which requires a protocol of progesterone support, given either as capsules by mouth or as injections in the hip muscles, isn’t always successful, I am blessed to be in a position to care for these women. Although their circumstances vary, each woman with whom I am placed in contact has two things in common: first, she is experiencing despair and, second, she has been deeply wounded. Although it is emotionally challenging to walk alongside these women, I am blessed to be in a position to offer them both hope and healing. It is such a joy to share the ultrasound images of a healthy, growing baby inside the woman’s womb while she is undergoing the reversal protocol. It is an even greater joy to receive birth announcements and newborn photos from her. The ultimate joy is the knowledge she doesn’t have to endure the shame that all too often occurs of being partly responsible for the death of her baby.
The Utter Heartbreak of Not Being Successful
But, when the protocol isn’t successful, I am still able to walk alongside each woman, listening to her describe her fear and anxiety when she starts to cramp or bleed, crying with her after she sees her dead baby on the ultrasound screen, staying with her through her labor when she knows the end result will be the delivery of a dead baby, feeling her pain when the first words she speaks to the dead baby she now holds in her arms are “I’m so sorry I did this to you,” hugging her when she feels unloved, speaking to her about unconditional love and mercy. Normally, each abortion results in both a dead baby AND a wounded woman. But in this situation, it doesn’t have to result in both, at least not permanently.
The Real Meaning of Health Care
I used to cringe every time I would see the banner that read “Health Care Happens Here” hanging on the front of the abortion provider building next door. After listening to my patients stories, I know that what is offered there is anything BUT health CARE. When I first saw the “Abortion Pill Reversal” banner that caught my attention at the medical conference, I had no idea I was being led to help provide the most meaningful kind of health care to women in need of hope, healing, care, and compassion.
If you want more information on this important procedure – either to simply talk it through with a knowledgeable health care provider, or because you are finding yourself part-way through a medical abortion that you are now regretting, reach out to us.
Here, there is no pressure, simply loving answers in a compassionate, private environment. And we pledge to stick with you, no matter what your choice!
But remember, time is critical if you are considering a reversal. Make an appointment to come see us.
One of the things we hear most often from the men and women who walk through our doors is that they feel very alone in their situation.
In fact, this feeling of loneliness is often what drives a woman to make a decision that she doesn’t want to make. But the fear of being alone in her circumstances is a very real, very scary place to be.
But what if we told you that there was a place where you could find support, help . . . and even a “family” who will stand by you and offer you the very things you need. And not just for your pregnancy, but for those years after – when you have questions, doubts and need to be surrounded by those who love and care for you just as much as during your pregnancy.
That could make all the difference!
We have a beautiful solution to the problem of being alone . . . our parent support group that we call Connections. These sweet quotes from those who experience Connections (formerly called Bridges) give you great insight into just how much it has impacted their lives!
It’s an opportunity for moms and dads to come to a group meeting – a social gathering that shares a meal together each month.
It helps support emotionally – we become a family.
It’s a perfect place to be!
Bridges is for those who don’t want to be alone on this journey.
It’s where I can make friends with other moms.
I can get helpful information on child development, child safety, medical information, careers, budgeting & finances.
I can trade my “points” for things I truly need – diapers, wipes, baby clothes, blankets, books, toys.
Check out this video on our Bridges Group – and then contact us to start your journey with us today. We’re waiting here to make you part of our family!
If you, or someone you know, is in a situation where you desperately don’t want to be alone, then perhaps a visit with us is exactly what is needed.
Simply make an appointment online, and when you come, you will meet with your very own Client Advocate – someone who will walk with you, cry with you, laugh with you, and be there to answer any question you have. For the long haul!
There are many myths and facts surrounding what a pregnancy resource center like Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) does – or doesn’t do. The best way to understand our call and what we do every day is to confront these facts head-on, with straight-forward answers.
Myth: Pregnancy resource centers are only interested in “saving the baby”.
Fact: At Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) we are very pro-woman. One of our main reasons to work with each mother is to help her look at all of her options so she is empowered to make a choice she can live with. We know that all three options (parenting, adoption, and abortion) carry with them long-term consequences. Our client has a decision to make, and we endeavor to assure that she has complete information to make that decision.
Myth: Once the mother’s decision is made, pregnancy help centers abandon her.
Fact: Regardless of the option that an expecting woman makes, Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) has follow-through programs for her.
* For the woman who chooses to parent, we offer education, support, and material aid throughout her pregnancy and for two years following the birth of her child.
* If a woman chooses to make an adoption plan for her child, we offer her referrals to adoption agencies. In addition, we are available to assist her through the duration of the pregnancy and help her make the adjustments needed after her baby is placed.
* If a client chooses to abort, she leaves our clinic knowing that she is always welcome to return for abortion recovery, future pregnancy, or STI/STD services. We also offer a Post-Abortion Assessment, dealing with both the physical and the emotional aftermath of abortion.
Myth: Crisis pregnancy centers are fake health clinics.
Fact: Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) is dedicated to offering quality medical services in compliance with all medical regulations and best practices.
* All medical service policies and procedures are reviewed and approved by our Medical Advisory Group (MAG). The MAG is currently made up of 12 medical doctors in specialties including OB/Gyn., Radiology, Emergency Medicine and Family Practice. In addition, the MAG includes five registered nurses and two sonographers along with our client services management staff.
* Every medical test, procedure, or treatment is approved by our Medical Director, a Johnson County OB/Gyn., and he reviews every medical chart. We also have a Medical Advisory Group that oversees all of our services; comprised of 16 practicing doctors, nurses, and medical providers in the KC area.
* The day-to-day oversight of our medical services is under the watchful eye of our Nurse Manager an R.N., B.S.N. who has spent her career working in the women’s reproductive health field.
* Every volunteer sonographer is either a practicing registered diagnostic medical sonographer or has been fully trained in Limited Obstetric Ultrasound including 75 scans supervised by a qualified medical professional.
* We have volunteer nurses trained in specialties like OB/Gyn., Labor & Delivery, NICU, Child-Birth Education, Home Health, Hospice, and Telemetry.
Myth: Pro-Life women’s centers use high-pressure tactics along with shame and lies to emotionally blind-side their clients.
Fact: Tools like shame, lies, fear, and manipulation have no place here. At Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), we know that the way to empower women is with truth wrapped in grace, encouragement, hope, and practical help all offered with compassion. Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) is a place where we listen; offer options grounded in evidence-based medical information; listen some more; offer medical services, referrals, and material aid; and then listen some more.
Important to note: We very often have women who have been here, and then choose to go elsewhere for an abortion. On many occasions, they have returned to us after their abortion for post-abortion care. They would not do that if we had pressured them or lied to them!
Myth: The people on the sidewalk outside of abortion facilities are recruited and deployed by PRCs.
Fact: People on the sidewalks outside of abortion facilities are there for many reasons and are there either on their own or representing a number of pro-life organizations. Some have political motives (change the laws), others have compassionate motives (pray and rescue moms and babies), and some are trying to convince women through graphic signs and harsh messages that they are condemned if they commit this unforgivable sin. Many use methods and messages that actually damage the reputations and efforts of pregnancy resource centers.
None of them are recruited by or represent Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center).
You are in charge of your own health. It’s important that you get the answers you need without relying on someone else to tell you what they believe about the services that you are looking into.
Be in control . . . Research your options . . . Get the facts and not the myths!
You could start by simply talking to us. No judgment. No agenda. No pressure. Just a friend to listen to your concerns and offer you support.
We care. We want to be there. We want to be your friend. And in the Kansas City area, we are that local voice that is close by to help answer your questions.
That’s why at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center) we have someone on hand to answer the phones 24 hours a day. Each and every day, we are here, ready to answer your questions and to offer support, hope and options.
What does a connection with our pregnancy hotline look like? Read, in the words of one of our workers, a real-life story of her interaction with a caller.
It was 5:00pm on a Saturday afternoon when I received a hotline call from a woman who saw a billboard on the highway with Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid)’s phone number. She shared that she was pretty sure she was pregnant. She also said she already has other children. She quickly told me how she’s going through a divorce and this baby was not her husband’s child. She continued to share how she had gotten involved in some very bad things that resulted in this pregnancy. She sounded very scared, and admitted that she was considering having an abortion even though she felt it wasn’t the right choice. My heart hurt for her and her struggles. We talked for quite awhile, and I was able to express to her the love and acceptance she was looking for. Before we ended our phone call, I scheduled an appointment for her to come to one of our centers. I later learned that she did come in and met with one of our volunteers. She received a pregnancy test that verified that her suspicion of a pregnancy was indeed right. During that appointment she also received accurate information about all her options.
It is because of calls like this that we make it a priority to have someone available to answer calls and be available online at any time, day or night. We know that your questions and concerns don’t always come during “office hours.” And that’s just fine, because we are always open through our chat box and pregnancy hotline.
Maybe you are unsure of whether or not the test you took is accurate. It might be time for you to think about scheduling an appointment. You don’t have to talk to anyone right now, simply click the button at the bottom of this article, and you can schedule – online – an appointment that fits into your busy life. At that appointment, you can take a medical-grade pregnancy test, at absolutely no financial charge to you. Then, regardless of the outcome of that test, you can talk over your options with someone in a no-pressure, relaxed atmosphere to decide what is absolutely best for you.
Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) can provide medical grade, high sensitivity pregnancy tests, all at no cost to you. There is no judgement, and no high-pressuring. . . simply help, options and a knowledgeable friend who can help you sort it all out.
If there is the possibility that you might be pregnant, simply schedule an appointment at a time that works for you. It’s private, close – and you’ll begin to get the help that you need.
Otherwise known as “Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves and…an Unplanned Pregnancy?”
An unplanned pregnancy is always a shock. But receiving a positive pregnancy test that you didn’t expect during the time of year when all is supposed to be “merry and bright” can feel even more challenging.
If you’re not ready to share your “news” with anyone yet you may be dreading that crowded family get-together or Friendsgiving feast. Painting on a smile and pretending like everything is fine can be exhausting. Here are a few things to be encouraged by and consider if you find yourself in this situation.
It’s OK to Not be OK
Finding out you are unexpectedly pregnant comes with a rollercoaster of emotions. Worry, fear, uncertainty and stress are common, to name a few. Your body may be in a “fight or flight” type of mode as a way to counteract the stress. Or perhaps you just feel “numb.” All of these feelings can be normal, and it’s okay to feel that way.
It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and know that there is no “normal,” as everyone responds to situations differently. Whether it’s a few days or a week, give yourself time to sit in these feelings. In a way, you may be grieving and grief is a process.
You Don’t Have to Face it Alone
Secrets can be heavy. They can affect our relationships, our careers, and our everyday lives. While it may not be the kind of thing you want to post about on social media, consider confiding in a trusted friend or family member. You might be surprised by the weight that this takes off of you. Explaining that you aren’t necessarily looking for opinions or even advice, but simply need a listening ear may be helpful. Often times, verbalizing your thoughts and feelings can help you process them.
Set Boundaries
If you do join any festivities such as work parties or family get-togethers, it may be helpful to prepare mentally and set a few boundaries for yourself. Know what places, people, and topics you aren’t going to be comfortable around or may be emotionally triggering. While these activities may be a good distraction, you may find that certain personalities or situations make you feel more uncomfortable than usual. Simply excuse yourself and get some fresh air or a change of scenery if needed.
Get Answers to Your Questions
Last, but not least, find out some more information. Questions like “how far along am I?” or “is this baby even going to make it?” may be going through your head. You may be wondering where to go and where you can find a confidential and supportive place to start. Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center) is here to provide just that and more.
Our experienced medical staff can help provide you with the medical information you need to move forward being fully educated and informed on your options. Your client advocate is there to provide non-judgemental support. As we do not exist to profit off of you or your decisions, all of our services are free of charge.
If you are having visions of two lines dancing in your head rather than sugar plums, know that Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) is here for you.
