Call Helpline: 913.962.0200

I Can’t Have This Baby . . . With HIM!

Here at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), we have a licensed social worker on staff to meet with women who find themselves in less-than-ideal situations. Her expertise, wisdom, and resources can sometimes make all the difference for a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. Our social worker provides real hope for women and allows them to know that they aren’t in this storm alone.

Here are some of her thoughts on a very specific – and yet common – issue that women face.


I meet with a lot of women facing an unplanned pregnancy and many say they just can’t have a baby with HIM.  Maybe their relationship just ended, maybe he was only a friend, maybe he was a guy she met in a bar a few weeks ago, maybe he’s abusive and she wants to leave.  Every woman’s story is unique, yet many share the same desire- to not have HIM be the father. 

No matter who the father is, the woman carrying that baby is its mother.  She has the option to protect the baby.  Biologically, she is a mother whether or not she decides to keep her baby.  She may feel powerless in the face of her situation, but she does have the power to make a choice.

As a licensed Social Worker, I meet with women in our Care Management program to identify characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships and also work with women in abusive situations.  Many of the women I work with are in domestic violence situations or have left an abusive partner.  I get the privilege of walking with them on their journey to health and wholeness and seeing them empowered to make positive choices for their future. 

This isn’t the end of the road, and no life has to end on the path to success.  Even if “HE” isn’t ideal, your future can be bright- it just might look a little different than expected!


We aren’t here to pressure you. That’s just not something we do.

But we ARE here to empower you. . . to give you real, honest help for when you find yourself in a situation that isn’t what you wanted.

We do believe in you. And we believe that, with the right help, even if HE was in the picture but not anymore, you can do this.

Let’s talk.

“I Can’t Have This Baby!” When There Are Just Too Many Challenges

As a Social Worker at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), this is one of the most frequent reasons I hear from women who feel like they can’t have their baby. When meeting with them, I start by encouraging them to slow down and really think about their options. They don’t have to make a life-changing decision in a spur of the moment panic. They have time to think about how life might be different in a few months or a few years. 

The problems of today most often are not the problems of the next few years if they receive solid help. 

Many women, whether they are single moms, have a partner, or are married, feel like they just can’t afford one more child. They feel overwhelmed and can’t imagine how they could have the energy or finances to support one more. 

We start with where she is right now and the obstacles she is currently facing.

Does she have a child with special needs right now? Does she need proper funding and support to help that child and get respite care that gives some wiggle room and space to breathe? Does she need a better job or childcare? 

We work to make sure she gets connected with all of the programs for which she is eligible to receive medical insurance. Often, she is eligible for programs such as SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid. We help her get connected with an OB to make sure she is receiving prenatal care. Does she need counseling related to a mental health concern or past trauma? We connect her with a counselor that fits her needs and her financial situation. Does she have legal needs associated with her immigration status in the U.S. or another pending concern? We work to get her connected with a lawyer for a consultation and make a plan of action. Is domestic violence a concern?  We work on a safety plan with her and continue to assist the family through our Care Management program. 

As we help her tackle each challenge one by one, many clients begin to hope for a better life, not only for the child in her womb, but her entire family.


Here at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), we care deeply about the women who come through our doors. We believe that telling women that they CAN’T do something, and then encouraging them to make a decision based on that, just isn’t very empowering to women!

In fact, we believe that with the resources we can provide, and the support we can give, women actually CAN do the hard thing (especially when she finds out all that is available to her).

The main point here is . . . don’t make a decision until you know all that is available to you. You don’t have to rush. Just come talk to us. No pressure at all on our side. No judgment.

The Difference One Appointment Can Make

These thoughts were shared with us by one of the women who sits at our front desk. As she is the first face many see in stressful times here, her caring personality and calm demeanor helps set the tone for an appointment filled with answers.

In my role here at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center), I see clients as they first come in the door.  I work at the front desk helping people fill out paperwork and answering phone calls. I have even been requested to set up a date for someone! I often see people that are nervous or overwhelmed or seem to have so many things they are carrying emotionally. I wish I could explain the difference that I see before an appointment and after an appointment.  I see them at both crossroads.  When someone is facing an unplanned pregnancy, it is very important to not go through it alone.

 After their appointment, the clients I see look relieved.  They are relieved for many reasons, but I think it is because they know someone else wants the very best for them and for their baby and family.  They feel empowered that they are capable to handle hard things with the right support and education.  They feel confident that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.  Our hope here is that each woman feels valued and heard and encouraged as she leaves our clinic.  From my vantage point, I see that happening every day.

So what exactly can you find at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) during this appointment?
According to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, pregnancy centers like Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) “Provide essential and professional care to vulnerable women and youth on a free or low-cost basis . . .” Here, all of our services are always free. The Institute goes on to say, “By providing practical assistance and links to needed resources, pregnancy centers improve health outcomes for women and promote health and well-being for themselves, their children, and their families.”

Every year, centers like ours serve over 2 million women nationwide. Additionally, services and material assistance – just like our no-cost model – totals over $250 million across the United States in no-cost, quality care. (To read more: visit the Charlotte Lozier Institute Fact Sheet)

Our commitment to you
Here at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), we have a very thorough Commitment of Care and Competence, that you can read here. Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center) helps women and their families make an educated decision about an unplanned pregnancy. We do this by providing evidence-based, medical information about parenting, adoption and abortion. In many cases, an unplanned pregnancy is a very stressful situation.

It’s easy to schedule your appointment at a time that best fits you. Even if you are just looking for someone to talk to – you’re in good hands here. Our receptionist will be waiting!


I Was Pregnant . . . And Needed Some Serious Help!

*Morgan is willingly giving us permission to share her story so that others can realize there is hope in the midst of a difficult situation. All client experiences with Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center) are kept with the highest confidence. The stories that are shared come from the real-life experiences that our clients, staff and volunteers had during their unplanned pregnancy.

*Her name has been changed but her story is true.


My name is Morgan, and this is my story.

I knew something different was going on with me because my emotions were strange and I was tired all the time. I wondered if I was pregnant, so I took 5 pregnancy tests to check. Each test was positive. I was scared. I was happy. I was sad. I was mostly afraid of telling my parents. They are “religious people” and I knew they wouldn’t be happy about this.

I wanted to hide this pregnancy so bad that the thought of abortion did cross my mind. I decided to reach out to a friend first. She shared she too had experienced an unplanned pregnancy. She told me about a place called Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid).

During my first visit I took a pregnancy test. By that time, I was having morning sickness, kept falling asleep at work, and I thought my family would find out. I was so scared.

When I told my parents the news, they were very upset. I needed a friend that day, so I went back to Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid). They helped me calm down and we talked through my situation for a long time. They suggested that I have my family join me during the sonogram appointment I had scheduled.

Wow, that was a huge step in my journey! My mom agreed to go with me the day of the sonogram. We shared a lot of tears. I know my parents were still struggling with things, but this new little life in my belly also gave us some joy and hope.

I joined Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid)’s Journey’s Program. I met weekly with my Client Advocate who listened to me no matter what I was going through. I cried A LOT! I was still so scared, but Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) was there for both my boyfriend and me. Every week someone greeted us with big smiles, open ears, and a shoulder to cry on. Every time I would learn something new, I would share it with my family and that brought us close again.

I thought having a baby would hinder my ability to succeed, but it actually pushed me to want to succeed!

The Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) staff ALWAYS reassured me everything was going to be O.K., I just had to keep going.

When my son was born, I was so excited to have my baby boy! My family was super excited too.

Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) was there even after my son was born. I eventually joined their Connections Program,which was incredibly supportive, and stayed there for 2 years! My son and I are still very close to the other Moms and kids that we met at Bridges. Through this program, I was connected to multiple resources in the community. One of these contacts was crucial in my going back to College and graduating debt free!!!!

Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) has given me hope, support, love, encouragement, and a second family relationship! Even six years later the doors are always open!


To read other stories from women who have been where you are:
Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) Stories


If you are going through a similar experience as Morgan did, you might have seen yourself a bit in her story. Her story ended on a happy note because of one choice: to contact Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid). Because of that choice, she found help, hope, resources, support . . . all of the things she needed most.

Take your first step today towards taking back control of your situation. Make an appointment with us. No pressure, no agenda – simply information, an understanding friend, and hope!

How We Help With An Unexpected Pregnancy – In The Words Of Others

When dealing with something as life-changing and emotional as an unexpected pregnancy, it’s important to take a moment, step back and just breathe. No one should ever be forced quickly into a decision that could have lasting impact on their lives forever.

Rather than sharing our own words here at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), we thought it might be helpful if you find yourself with this unexpected pregnancy to hear from others – men and women like you who have found answers and hope with us, volunteers and workers who have been in your shoes and are now there to provide help to you, even people who have donated to our work sharing why they gave money and resources to help women they have never met. We hope you find comfort in these words. They are shared specifically for your benefit.

Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) intern:
“Day after day I watched women in countless situations come through the Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) doors and into the arms of a loving team of staff and volunteers. I saw lives transformed from the relentless love of these women at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), fueled by a mission and by fiercely loving hearts. I learned so much about caring for people and was even empowered in my own life. No matter which volunteer spoke with a client, I was at peace that that woman would be taken care of and that she was in a truly safe place.”

Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) client (female):
“Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) immediately got me involved in various programs they offer (similar to classes) where I began to receive information that would prove to be incredibly valuable to me. Between the topics covered and the amazing speakers they have, I was able to learn much and put to use what I was learning right away. Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) has been so good to my twins and me. In addition to all the help they gave me, they also connected me with a local church that would be able to help me in other ways as well. Many of the people I met at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) I now consider my friends.

Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) client (male):
“Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) has helped our family tremendously.  They have offered us classes in financing, parenting tips, and may other topics.  Also they have a great men’s group that meets for fathers.  A good time to talk about anything you have on your chest.  Also the men have been given resources to help in the challenges we face as fathers. A great group.  I’ve really enjoyed being a part.  Thanks Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) for all you do!”

Male Volunteer at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) (working with other men):
“The most rewarding part of helping the young families in our program is that they are all trying hard and they are so grateful for our time together. The guys are appreciative of the time we spend with them on Tuesday or Thursday nights. They can hardly believe that someone is willing to give their time to talk with them about the challenges in raising a family. For many of the guys I spoke with, they hadn’t seen much giving from the men in their lives growing up, so they didn’t know what to think at first when somebody offered to help them. Now they know that (Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid)) volunteers are there to love and serve them.”

Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) volunteer:
“I ultimately chose to carry my pregnancy. I wish that I would have listened to my friend and gone to a pregnancy resource center like Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid). In my darkest hours, I needed someone to talk to, that would be supportive and listen to me without judgment. It was too much for me to handle going through it alone. I shouldn’t have ignored that feeling in my heart that I would have been cared for and listened to there. My pride and shame got in my way. Since those dark days, I have connected with Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid). It has proven over and over to be a safe, caring place where I can share with women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and offer them hope – the same hope that I was too afraid to receive when I was in the same situation.”

Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) donor:
When donating to charities, I always wondered, ‘where exactly does my money go, will it be well spent‘?  As a donor and a volunteer at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), I have a glimpse into the daily operational activities and know that not only is the money well spent, but that money is being well cared for by stalwart stewards dedicated to God’s love and vision of Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid).  It is such a privilege to be associated with this organization!”


So, the unexpected has happened, and you don’t quite know what your next step should be. You may be considering abortion, you may not. Either way, it’s important that you get all of the facts so that you can make the right decision . . . both for yourself now, and yourself future!

All it takes is one little click. Make an appointment to come see us. You don’t even have to talk to anybody right now – just click and pick a time. When you come, you will be met with warm, friendly people who are simply there to help during this time. No pressure. No agenda. Just honest answers and real help.

Want to know exactly what to expect during your first visit? This video should help relieve some of that anxiety.

Are You Ready to Rethink Your Possibilities Regarding Pregnancy?

Battle.

Sometimes life feels just like an endless battle. It seems full of hurt, disappointment, loneliness and pain. Often, we feel like the endless battle of hurts will never heal, fears will never leave, and dreams will never be realized. And if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, this battle can seem all but hopeless.

Night or day, it doesn’t seem to matter. Night often descends with a vacuum of loneliness. Daytime can bring a blinding brightness of uncertainty.

When the future is unclear and there are decisions to be made, our thoughts can run away and leave us feeling despondent and utterly powerless.

Quotes

But there is good news. Despite the battle, the pain or the darkness. . . you can begin to rethink your life. You haven’t lost control . . . You have control of your life. You control want your future will look like. You have the strength to walk through the uncertainty of the daytime and the loneliness of the night with your head held high. You have the tools available to battle in the arena, even when you stumble or are covered in dirt and dust from the fight.

Best part of all? You don’t have to do it alone. There is a caring person, a warm smile and an understanding heart, just waiting to help you. All it takes is the courage (which you already have!) to click the button below to schedule an appointment – you don’t have to speak to anyone today. No cost, no judgment, no hassle here. Just someone who understands the battle you are in, and can be your greatest ally as you fight.

“Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It’s the fear that we’re not good enough.”

Those words were spoken by the psychologist and brilliant researcher, Brene Brown. Brene’s studies show that shame grows exponentially when surrounded by secrecy, silence, and judgment.

The good news? Her study also shows that when shame is met with empathy and understanding . . . SHAME CANNOT SURVIVE!

So how about it? Are you ready to stop fighting this battle all by yourself? Are you ready to be done with the lonely nights and the uncertain days? Are you ready to put an end to the shame?

Are you ready to rethink your possibilities?


Want to know how a call to Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) would go? Read this post:
“A Call for Help!”