Category: Stories

Having an abortion after an unplanned pregnancy is never an easy choice. But all too often, it seems like the only choice.

Carly* has willingly given 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. Her abortion story is difficult to read, and reflects the hurt and lifelong damage that an abortion can cause. 

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

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I recently passed the 30^th anniversary of my abortion. It’s strange to think that had circumstances been different I’d have a 30-year-old child celebrating their birthday somewhere around now. It’s harder to believe that I’m old enough for that to be a fact or that my story would be relevant to you.

Pregnant & Feeling There Were No Options
I was 18 years old and in a relationship that I thought would never end. I really had no doubts until I moved in with my boyfriend. Sure the sex was good, but everything else was less than ideal. So when I came up pregnant, I’m not sure what I expected. He was anything but supportive. Abortion wasn’t my first choice. In fact I thought he would consider making the relationship more permanent. Instead he took me to his parent’s house where they all insisted that abortion was the best option. In hindsight, I’d ask, “best for who?”

Abortion was easily accessible in 1987. The abortion clinic that everyone is familiar with was the obvious choice as they kind of cornered the market. The law stated I needed a consultation appointment before the actual abortion. So I went. The individual that did the consultation confirmed my pregnancy with a pregnancy test and then calculated the estimated gestation. They told me 12 weeks – which was the last week that the abortion could legally be done in that center. Strangely, I had to sign a waiver that agreed with what they told me, as if I would know anything.

The consultant then took me to a room with a desk and vaguely described the abortion procedure, asking me about my preferences for pain relief and recovery, making sure I knew to bring someone with me to drive me home. Then, as if checking off a list, they asked me rather half heartedly if I really wanted to have the abortion. I swallowed hard and said, “No,” because the truth was, I didn’t really want it. I just didn’t feel like I had a choice. In fact everyone around me thought the abortion was the only choice and the more I talked to others the less I trusted myself. To this day I can still remember what happened next. The consultant tore off the corner of one of the forms that I had signed and wrote a phone number on it. She kind of shoved it towards me on the desk and stated in a flatly, sarcastic tone, “Well, these people might help you, but I doubt it.” I still remember how the hope drained from my heart as she rolled her eyes at me.

A Horrific Experience
I never called the number. I showed up for the appointment, and took the abortion lying down, without pain reliever.  I made my baby’s father be in the room with me because this was his choice too. I was not prepared for the suction machine to sound like a shop vac or for the absolute torment of the dilators opening my cervix. By the time the suction actually got to the suction curettage, I was sure the worst was past, but it wasn’t. The inside of the uterus isn’t designed to be vacuumed. It hurt more than I care to remember and I definitely took pain reliever in the recovery area (a space similar to the school nurses office). There was no tolerance for expressing how much pain anyone was in. The empathy on this side of the abortion experience was even less than on the other side. No one really cared that my insides had been ripped out and my heart was breaking. After all, wasn’t that MY choice?

Looking Back on Years of Hurt & Regret
All these years later, I have lots of insight around why I decided not to fight for my child’s life and my own piece of mind. I wasn’t a victim in the purest sense of the word. But at that time, I didn’t realize how my own childhood sexual abuse played into my lack of ability to defend my child or myself. I can also see how the dysfunction of my family of origin left me alone and afraid to bring a child into the world. I don’t blame those circumstances, but I understand today how they played into being lured into what was sold as an easy solution.

Today, I don’t believe in any easy solutions. It was a false promise that traded one set of difficult circumstances and another set of equally difficult circumstances.

Abortion didn’t remove my troubles, it simply changed them.

After the abortion, my boyfriend dropped me off at a friend’s apartment and never spoke to me again. I was alone and had to find my way through life with a different kind of burden. Several years ago, I met a friend who had placed a child for adoption about the same time I had the abortion. She was connecting with her adult daughter and it occurred to me that she had pictures and connection. All was left with was regret.

It took me years to work through the regret. I learned how to connect with myself through counseling and reconnect with God through an abortion recovery Bible study. No one can go back and make a different decision; we can only make the best of the decisions we’ve been given. I can’t say that my life would be better had I not walked the journey of abortion, because it’s only speculation. Every path is hard. The life given is rarely regretful.

Abortion is never the only choice, even when it appears to be the simplest in the moment.

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Carly eventually found healing and hope. But the years of regret and pain were difficult before she was able to begin to heal.

If you, like Carly, have gone through an abortion and are feeling the pain and regret, know that we are here for you. We have a wonderful Abortion Recovery program that offers hope for past regrets.

And if you are considering an abortion, it’s important that you understand all of the aspects involved. We know this is difficult. But we can offer options, help, hope and a friendship that will stay beside you for as long as you need us!

*Ann 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.

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My name is Ann.
This is my abortion story.

When I was 15 years old I was in what I thought was a serious relationship. I became sexually active and soon found myself pregnant.

I told no one and attempted to deny reality. I was involved in high school sports which kept me in shape, making it easy for me to pretend I was not pregnant. My mother, however, began to notice changes in me. Eventually, she convinced me to make a doctor’s appointment. It was there we both learned that I was in my sixth month of pregnancy.

Reality hit hard that day.

It wasn’t long until I learned that my mother set up an appointment for a late term abortion procedure. She drove me to a clinic three hours from our home, telling the rest of the family we were going on vacation. It was no vacation. In fact that weekend was my worst nightmare; I could hardly believe I was living it.

When the day of the abortion came I thought that  it was my best option. After all, my mother was making this decision with me in mind. I was taken to a room where I was shown on a monitor how my baby looked and what was happening during the abortion procedure. I did not pay attention. I just wanted it to be over. The physical pain of giving birth without any pain relief had me crying out while the doctor was telling me to be considerate of others and stop, otherwise he would not continue with the procedure. I sucked it up, and for that weekend I did not cry. I did not cry at all. Not when I had to give birth to a dead child. Not when I had to come home and tell everyone how wonderful my vacation was. This was never spoken about again.

Denial became a way of life.

My grades in school began to fail. I began to walk away from my friends, my sports, and my education. I was broken and crying inside, yet I was not sure why. After all, wasn’t this the best choice for a single teenager with an unplanned pregnancy? Isn’t your life supposed to just go on?

When I became pregnant again in my late twenties I wanted to have an abortion. I believed I was not fit to be someone’s mother. I believed abortion was the only way out of a pregnancy. But I came to learn that there are other options. I was introduced to the “angels” at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid). Not only were they my “angels,” they became my unborn daughter’s “angels” too!

In ten years of suffering I finally had someone who was there to listen without judging.
Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) was there to let me cry, to let me scream, to let me laugh, to let me share MY story.
There was no condemning, only support.

Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) let me know that there was someone available to me 24/7. If I needed to call or meet with someone in person, they were there. Most importantly they gave me what I needed to make an informed decision.

This time, I chose to continue the pregnancy. My  daughter is now three years old and is my world, my strength, my best friend.

Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) continues to be there for me, offering compassion and understanding. They don’t expect anything in return. Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) became my safe place. Safe to make a decision for myself and for my daughter, safe to talk to someone about the feelings I had suppressed for so long, safe to finally get help and feel whole again so that I could be the best woman, friend, and mother I can be.

I owe my daughter’s life to the amazing people at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid). I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to walk through their doors. When things got tough they were there and I found that their support gave me the strength and courage that I needed.

At one point in my life, I thought I would never finish high school. I am now a college graduate. I used to be unable to even get out of bed. I now have a successful career. I used to believe that I was not worthy to be a mother. I now have an amazing family.

I hope that my story saves someone, anyone, from years of suffering like I did. Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) can – and will – help.

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If you are interested in reading other stories like this, visit these links:
Nicole’s Story
Kelly’s Story

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If you have had an abortion – or are thinking about it – there may be emotions, pain and struggle that are hard to deal with on your own. That’s why we are here.

Every day, we talk to women in that very position. And they are finally given options, help . . . and the hope they need.

You can talk to us at any time. We are waiting for you.

This woman has willingly given 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 removed but her story is true.

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When I became pregnant with my daughter, I was excited and surprised. I was in a place in my life where I felt financially comfortable with having a baby and as I pursued this path, I was thankful that I was able to get pregnant so soon. 

My partner, however, was not excited and became abusive toward me while I was pregnant.

I eventually decided to leave this abusive relationship and find a safe place for me and my child, but still feared that he would come after me. I slipped into a deep hole. This is when I reached out to Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid); I was only two months into my pregnancy at this time. 

At Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid), I felt heard and understood. The lady I spoke with shared that she had a similar story. 

She gave me hope that I could persevere as a single mom. 

She was right, and I had my daughter and named her after my favorite saint, Therese of Little Flower. My child has been my biggest gift. Even though I experienced trauma and fear at the hands of my abuser; my daughter gives me the strength to keep pursuing a happy, safe future for us both. I know that I can count on Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) to lend a helping hand when needed. They have blessed me in so many ways when I felt like I did not have what it takes. The Monday night Connections meetings have been a great light to my week. 

I know parenting takes work, but I also know that I am enough for my daughter. I am thankful for the assistance and teaching that I receive to ensure that she is developing appropriately. I don’t think I would be the mom that I am today without their support. 

They sure make you feel loved and cared for. 

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Every woman’s story is different.

But what remains a constant with the women who come to us is that they are pregnant, and they need help. They don’t believe they can do this alone (or even with their partner). Maybe you feel the same way.

But we are here to provide not just the hope that is in such short supply in your story, but also help. Real help. Help that is there for a long time after your baby is born.

Whether that is helping you find financial assistance, providing education and training for the parenting job ahead, or even the basic necessities like diapers, formula, and clothes – we can, in the words of our friend above, give you the hope that you can persevere as a mom!

That help is as close as a click away. Just schedule an appointment – we’ll be here to provide the rest!

The following story was written by one of the workers here at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid).

“I’m 18 . . . I just found out I’m pregnant. My boyfriend and I are scared out of our minds. He wants me to get an abortion. I don’t want to, but I think it’s my only option. I have nothing that I can give to this baby. No money, I don’t have my own place. I have nothing.  But I also can’t tell my parents. . . “

This message popped up in our chat box at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) one morning. It happened to be on the morning of my daughter’s birthday . . . a situation that really hit home. You see, my daughter was my “surprise” when I was only 20 years old.

My response to the person on the other end of the chat:

“Take a moment to breathe . . . You’re not alone.”

That first response started a conversation that would continue on and off between Krista (not her real name) and me for a few months. When I first met Krista, she was still very much undecided as to what to do. I had encouraged her to come in for an ultrasound so we could determine viability. Another month went by before she reached out to me again and told me she still hadn’t decided about continuing her pregnancy. Around her 17th week of pregnancy, she contacted me yet again to say she decided she would parent the baby. She was still having a hard time acknowledging the pregnancy with other family members and didn’t tell them until much later.

From the moment of first contact, I kept in touch with Krista on a regular basis. Almost 8 months from the first chat message, I heard from Krista that she had a baby boy. She said, “My family loves him more than anything and my boyfriend and his mom love him too . . . This whole experience is going one thousand times better than I thought it would.”

Getting to meet her little guy was one of the happiest moments in my life. To see Krista happy and nurturing her new baby boy brought so much joy to my heart. She joined our education classes* and has been attending ever since. Through those, she is learning how to tackle parenting, receive support from both staff and other moms in her class, and even earn clothes, diapers, and other things that she needs for her son.

I couldn’t be more thankful for answering that very first chat!

*To learn more about our Connections education program, click here.

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Krista’s story is all about ReThinking . . .
At first, she simply couldn’t even think about being a mom. The timing was all wrong, and there were a million reasons why she felt she couldn’t continue this pregnancy. But, by taking her time, thinking it through, and daring to rethink a life that was different than what she had planned, she reached a completely different conclusion.

And that’s why we encourage you to ReThink – your future may be different than you had planned, but it may be so very much better.

And as Krista’s story shows, she really didn’t have to do any of this alone. She got the help she needed – for as long as she needed it – right here with us!

Take the first step. Just start the conversation with us. We guarantee no judgment, no pressure. Just honest answers and someone who promises to walk with you through every step of the journey.

During the holidays, the story of the nativity can be heard over and over. Many churches conduct some kind of a service where the story of Mary, Joseph and their newborn son is told, complete with angels, shepherds, wise men and the occasional barn animal. It is a beautiful story of hope and forgiveness, and one that we should never tire of hearing. But there is one character in this two thousand year old story that is most intriguing. . . Mary.

Mary was, most likely, a very young girl – perhaps even as young as 14. She was engaged to Joseph in a Jewish tradition called a betrothal. During this time, while they were not yet married, they were just about as close to being married as two people could get. All that was yet-to-come was the ceremony. And the wedding night. As was customary during her time, Mary was a virgin. In fact, if Joseph believed her to not still be a virgin, he could “divorce” her before they were even married. But that had never crossed either of their minds. They were engaged, and looking forward to the rest of their lives together. Mary had her young life planned out, and it would be a life of fulfillment and happiness with Joseph.

And that’s when Mary’s plans came crashing down around her with unexpected – and certainly unplanned – news of a pregnancy. We can only guess as to the thoughts that ran through her mind. What would her parents think? Would Joseph be supportive at all? Would their life-long family friends turn their backs in disgust at her shame? It was certainly a lot to put on the shoulders of a young girl.

Sound familiar? If you find yourself during this holiday season with unexpected – and unplanned – news of a pregnancy, you very likely are going through some of the same fearful thoughts and worried heart that Mary experienced so long ago. But you know what? Mary didn’t have to face her news alone. And neither do you. You are the very reason that Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) exists. We don’t want you to be alone during this time, trying to sort through emotions and options without a friend in which to confide.

While many characteristics of this young mother-to-be are evident in this story, one stands out starkly  – Mary’s bravery. How very brave she was to accept with calm dignity the unplanned in her life. Her brave choice to accept what she never imagined would happen to her is one that has impacted the course of history to this very day. Her bravery in the face of this unplanned pregnancy has impacted millions upon millions – something she could never have imagined at that moment in time.

After all, the ageless Christmas story is one in which hope – and help when it’s needed most – is found. So if you see yourself in the young, frightened girl who never expected to find herself pregnant, and whose plans were suddenly changed, know that your story is being written now, just as hers was back then. And just as Mary did, you may find a bravery in you that just very well could change the world!

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If we can help you in any way this season, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can be reached several ways:
Website: www.twolineskc.com
Online Scheduling: Scheduling
Hotline: 913.962.0200

Bethany 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.

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My name is Bethany.
This is my story of getting the help I needed.

It was a little over two years ago when I moved to Kansas. In my mind, I had lost all hope and faith. I had no family here, and I knew no one but my boyfriend’s boss and his wife. I was here for less than a year when I found out I was pregnant.

I called Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) right away and they had me come in for a pregnancy test. Later, they also performed my first ultrasound where I found out I was having twins! The shock was so great I couldn’t think straight. They 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.

At a time when I felt God had forgotten me, they helped me see that He was holding my hand and was walking beside me the entire time. He is still there, holding my hand and guiding me as I work to make a better life for myself and my twins.

I am so very thankful for all that Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) has done for me.

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Bethany was able to find more than just a pregnancy test with Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid). We remained with her for as long as she needed us to, providing support, education, materials, and friendship. 

Don’t let your fear of being alone in a difficult circumstance cause you to make a decision that can’t be undone. One that could negatively impact your entire future. You aren’t alone at all. Rethink your possibilities . . . help is just a click away!