KNOW FOR SURE

At its root, to abort simply means “to stop,” but the word abortion has come to be commonly associated with induced abortion. Induced Abortion is the separation of mother and child prior to birth in order to end the life of the baby. Therapeutic Abortion is the separation of mother and child prior to birth in order to save the life of the mother. Spontaneous Abortion, commonly called miscarriage, is a naturally occurring loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. After 20 weeks, loss of a pregnancy is considered pre-term delivery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0x6F-yReYg According to Planned Parenthood’s national average a first-trimester abortion costs $300-950.1 Second trimester abortions cost $1200-$2100 or more. The specific cost of an abortion depends on the type of procedure and the size of the baby, which are based on gestational age. The price rises as pregnancy progresses. Price also varies by provider; clinics and private practice abortionists typically offer lower costs than hospitals. Typical cost of an abortion in Louisiana: • Medication Abortion / Abortion Pill (within 7 weeks gestation): $360-$500 • Suction Aspiration / Vacuum Abortion (6-12 weeks gestation): $650-$700 • Dilation and Curettage (13-21 weeks gestation): Can exceed $1000 • Dilation and Evacuation (17-21 weeks gestation): Can exceed $1000 Find out what your costs could be. To find out how far along you are and what the cost of an abortion could be for you, schedule a free pre-termination evaluation with Care Pregnancy Clinic today. ________________________________________________________________ 1 Planned Parenthood (2014). Abortion. Retrieved from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/abortion/the-abortion-pill and http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/abortion/in-clinic-abortion-procedures.

RU-486 (Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and Misoprostol) Quick Facts Gestational Age: Up to 7 weeks Typical Cost: $400-$650 Procedure The FDA approved regimen1 for RU-486 is a three-visit process using two different drugs: 1. Mifepristone is given orally during the first office visit (600 mg). Mifepristone blocks progesterone from sustaining the pregnancy, thereby ending the life of the baby. 2. Misoprostol tablets are given orally (400 mcg) during the second office visit which occurs 36-48 hours later. The patient will then return home where the misoprostol will cause contractions to expel the baby’s remains. This may occur within a few hours or up to two weeks after taking misoprostol. 3. A physical exam is given two weeks later to ensure the abortion is complete and that there are no immediate complications. WARNINGS The FDA has approved mifepristone for use only up to 49 days (7 weeks) from last menstrual period. Be aware that many providers offer the drug beyond the FDA approved limit, prescribe other doses, fail to provide both drugs, or skip one or more of the three visits. Deviations from the approved regimen increase your risk of unnecessary or harmful complications. The procedure is unsuccessful approximately 8-10% of the time, thus requiring an additional surgical abortion procedure to complete the termination. Medical abortion is not advised for women who have anemia, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorder, acute inflammatory bowel disease, or use an intrauterine device (IUD). Risks and Side Effects • Cramping • Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Heavy bleeding • Infection • Sepsis and Septic Shock • Death Fetal Development Weeks 5-9 The following describes some of the developmental steps of the baby during the time frame when a woman is eligible for a medication abortion. • Development of brain and spinal cord • Heart begins to beat • Hands and feet are forming • Every essential organ has begun to form • Bones begin to form, muscles can contract Abortion Pill Reversal It is possible to reverse the effects of the abortion pill within 72 hours of taking the first dose. See Abortion Pill Reversal. __________________________________________________________________ 1 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2009). “Mifeprex Medication Guide.” U.S. Department of Health. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM088643.pdf

Mifepristone is also known as the abortion pill or RU486 and is prescribed by a doctor within the first seven to nine weeks of pregnancy. Most women don’t really know how it works. Many physicians will tell you that mifepristone (RU486) is a “light procedure”; , or is “relatively quick” and “easy.” That’s not the truth. It isn’t light, quick, or easy. Mifepristone (RU486), is a drug that blocks the effects of progesterone—a hormone your body needs to grow a healthy baby. Mifepristone blocks the nurturing effects of progesterone which leads to the death of the developing baby, the embryo or fetus. The Abortion Pill Process • A doctor will give you a physical exam to determine if you are eligible for this type of medical abortion procedure. You are not eligible if you have any of the following: ectopic pregnancy, ovarian mass, IUD, corticosteroid use, adrenal failure, anemia, bleeding disorders or use of blood thinners, asthma, liver or kidney problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure. • You may be given antibiotics to prevent infection. • You will be given an oral dose of mifepristone during your first office visit. • Misoprostol tablets are taken orally or inserted vaginally about 36 to 72 hours after taking the mifepristone. The tablets will cause contractions and expel the remains of the baby. This process may take a few hours or as long as a few days. You will need to be examined by your doctor two weeks later to ensure the abortion was complete and to check for complications. The procedure is unsuccessful approximately 5-10% of the time with the potential of requiring an additional surgical abortion procedure to complete the termination. Make sure you also read up on the many side effects and risks of mifepristone and misoprostol. The Process CAN be Reversed

Suction Aspiration or Vacuum Abortion Quick Facts Gestational Age: 6-12 weeks Typical Cost: $480-$650 Procedure • Patient lies on her back with feet in stirrups and a speculum is inserted to open the vagina. • A local anesthetic is administered to her cervix. Then, a tenaculum (a slender sharp pointed hook attached to a handle, and used mainly in surgery for seizing and holding parts) is used to hold the cervix in place for the cervix to be dilated by cone shaped rods. • When the cervix is wide enough, a cannula (a long plastic tube connected to a suction device) is inserted into the uterus to suction out the baby and placenta. • The procedure usually lasts 10-15 minutes, but recovery may require staying at the clinic for a few hours. Risks and Side Effects • Cramping • Nausea • Sweating • Feeling faint • Excessive or prolonged bleeding • Blood clots • Damage to the cervix • Perforation of the uterus • Infection due to retained products of conception or infection caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or bacteria being introduced to the uterus can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness and possibly scaring. • Death Fetal Development Weeks 9-13 The following describes some of the developmental steps of the baby during the time frame when a woman is eligible for a vacuum abortion. • Genitals have formed • Baby can make a fist • Buds for baby teeth appear

There are two abortion procedures commonly used in the second trimester: the D&C, and the D&E. D&C: Dilation & Curettage Quick Facts Gestational Age: 12-16 weeks Typical Cost: $1200-$1600 Procedure • Vacuum Abortion can be used up to 16 weeks. In the second trimester a D&C is typically also required. • In addition to the steps described here, a currette (a long, looped shaped knife) is used to scrape the lining, placenta and baby away from the uterus . • This procedure usually lasts 10 minutes with a possible stay of 5 hours. Risks and Side Effects • Nausea, bleeding and cramping may occur for two weeks following the procedure • Blood clots • Infection due to retained products of conception or infection caused by an STD or bacteria being introduced to the uterus can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness and scaring. • Damage to uterine lining or cervix • Perforation of the uterus • Death Fetal Development Weeks 13-16 The following describes some of the developmental steps of the baby during the time frame when a woman is eligible for a D&C abortion. • Baby flexes, kicks and begins sucking thumb • Skin begins to form • Facial expressions are possible D&E: Dilation & Evacuation Quick Facts Gestational Age: 17-21 weeks Typical Cost: $1500-$2100 Procedure • In most cases, 24 hours prior to the actual procedure, the abortion provider will insert laminaria or a synthetic dilator inside the cervix. • Cone-shaped rods of increasing size are used to continue the dilation process. • The cannula is inserted to begin removing tissue away from the lining. Then using a curette, the lining is scraped to remove any residuals. • If needed, forceps may be used to remove larger parts. • The procedure normally takes about 30 minutes. Risks and Side Effects The risks and side effects for a D&E are the same as those of a D&C, but more severe. Most D&E procedures are performed in a hospital setting due to the increased risks of severe complications. Fetal Development Weeks 17-21 The following describes some of the developmental steps of the baby during the time frame when a woman is eligible for a D&E abortion. • Hearing begins to develop • Eyebrows and eyelashes grow in • Mother feels baby’s movements more strongly “Given the anatomical evidence, it is possible that the fetus can feel pain from 20 weeks and is caused distress by interventions from as early as 15 or 16 weeks.”1 _________________________________________________________________ Glover V, Fisk, NM (1999). “Fetal pain: implication for research and practice.” Br J Obstet Gynaecol, 106(9): 881-6.

Before you have any elective procedure it’s important to know the potential impacts it could have on your body and future health. Here we’ve compiled the latest research on the impacts of abortion. Risks and side effects vary by the type of procedure and how far along you are. If you’re pregnant, Care Pregnancy Clinic can help you determine exactly what kind of abortion procedure you could be eligible for, and discuss the specific risks and side effects associated with that procedure. To learn more, schedule a free pre-termination evaluation at Care Pregnancy Clinic today. Common Side Effects After an Abortion Most women experience some of the following after an abortion: • Bleeding – on average bleeding lasts 14 days, but can last as long as 21 days.1,2 • Cramping • Dizziness • Drowsiness • Nausea/Vomiting These symptoms typically resolve within a week, sometimes longer. Immediate Complications • Damage to the womb or cervix • Excessive bleeding • Incomplete abortion, requiring a (additional) surgical abortion procedure • Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes • Scarring of the inside of the uterus • Sepsis or Septic shock • Uterine perforation • Death Future Health Risks Future Pre-term Deliveries • Abortion causes a weakening of the cervix, which increases a woman’s risk of future pre-term deliveries. Two recently-published studies indicate that one induced abortion increases the risk of a subsequent preterm birth by between 25% and 27%. After two or more abortions a woman’s risk of preterm birth increases by between 51% and 62%.3,4 • A 2013 Canadian study found that women who have had abortions are more than twice as likely to have a very early preterm child (26 weeks gestation). The risks were 71% higher at 28 weeks gestation and 45% higher at 32 weeks.5 • Premature births carry serious health risks for the baby. Infants who are born before 37 weeks gestational age have a much lower chance of living to adulthood.6 Those that do survive have significant risk of serious disabilities, including cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment, psychological development disorders and autism.7,8,9 Breast Cancer • Studies show that abortion increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer. A 2013 analysis revealed a 44% increased risk of breast cancer among females who had at least one induced abortion. The relative risk increased to 76% and 89% for those who had at least two or three abortions, respectively.10 • Often women considering abortion are experiencing their first pregnancy. It is important to note the protective effects of a woman’s first full-term pregnancy, which causes breast cells to mature, reducing the risk of breast cancer. “Among women who have given birth, an increasing number of full-term pregnancies was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the risk of breast cancer; risk was reduced by 14% for each additional birth.”11 STDs & Pelvic Inflammatory Disease • “The presence of Chlamydia in the cervical canal at the time of abortion in asymptomatic women increases the risk of postabortal PID.”12 • Of patients who have a Chlamydia infection at the time of abortion, 23% will develop PID within 4 weeks.13,14,15,16 • “PID can lead to serious consequences including infertility, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in the fallopian tube or elsewhere outside of the womb), abscess formation, and chronic pelvic pain.”17 Mental Health Research suggests that women who have had abortions may be at increased risk for mental health problems.18 “Women who had undergone an abortion experienced an 81% increased risk of mental health problems, and nearly 10% of the incidence of mental health problems was shown to be attributable to abortion.”19 Some women who have experienced an abortion report symptoms similar to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.20 Some of those symptoms may include: • Regret • Grief • Sadness/Depression • Anxiety • Guilt/Shame • Suicidal thoughts If you have had an abortion and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important for your emotional and physical health that you not ignore them. Contact us for a referral to a licensed counselor. __________________________________________________________________ Davis A, Westhoff C, De Nonno L (2000). Bleeding patterns after early abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol or manual vacuum aspiration. J Am Med Womens Assoc 55(3 Suppl):141-4 Harwood B, Meckstroth KR, Mishell Dr, Jain JK (2001). Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels and endometrial thickness after medical abortion. Contraception 63(4):255-6. Shah PS, Zoa J (2009). Induced termination of pregnancy and low birth weight and preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analyses. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 116(11): 1425-42 Swingle HM, Colaizy TT, Zimmerman MB, Morriss FH (2009). Abortion and the risk of subsequent preterm birth. J Reprod Med, 54(2): 95-108. Hardy G, Benjamin A, Abenhaim HA (2013). Effect of induced abortions on early preterm births and adverse perinatal outcomes. JOGC, 35(2): 138-43. Moster D, Lie RT, Markestad T (2008). Long-term medical and social consequences of preterm birth. NEJM, 359(3): 262-73. Ibid. Limperopoulos C, Bassan H, Sullivan NR, Soul JS, Robertson RL, Moore M, Ringer SA, Volpe JJ, du Plessis AJ (2008). Positive screening for autism in ex-preterm infants: Prevalence and risk factors. Pediatrics, 121(4): 758-65 Burd L, Severud R, Kerbeshian J, Klug MG (1999). Prenatal and perinatal risk factors for Autism. J Perinat Med, 27(6): 441-50. Huang Y, Zhang X, Li W, Song F, Dai H, Wang J, Gao Y, Liu X, Chen C, Yan Y, Wang Y, Chen K (2014). “A meta-analysis of the association between induced abortion and breast cancer risk among Chinese females.” Cancer Cause Control, 25(2): 227-36. Andrieu N, Goldgar DE, Easton DF, Rookus M, Brohet R, Antoniou AC, et al. (2006). Pregnancies, breast-feeding, and breast cancer risk in the international BRACA1/2 carrier cohort study. J Natl Cancer Inst, 98(8): 535-44. Westergaard L, Phillipsen T, Scheibel J (1982). Significance of cervical Chlamydia trachomatis infection in postabortal pelvic inflammatory disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 68(5): 668-90. Ovigstad E, et al. (1983). Pelvic inflammatory disease associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection after therapeutic abortion. Br J Vener Dis, 59: 189-92 Duthie SJ, et al. (1987). Morbidity after termination of pregnancy in first trimester. Genitourin Med, 63(3): 182-7 Stray-Pedersen B, et al. (1991). Induced abortion: Microbiological screening and medical complications. Infection 19(5): 305-8 Heisterberg L, et al. (1987). The role of vaginal secretory immunoglobulin a, gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobes, and Chlamydia trachomatis in post abortal pelvic inflammatory disease. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 66(2): 99-102. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – CDC fact sheet. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/std/PID/STDFact-PID.htm Fergusson DM, Horwood LJ, Ridder E (2006). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. J Child Psychol Psyc 47(1):16-24. Coleman, PK (2011). “Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995-2009.” Br J Psych, 199: 180-6. Coyle CT, Coleman PK, Rue VM (2010). Inadequate preabortion counseling and decision conflict as predictors of subsequent relationship difficulties and psychological stress in men and women. Traumatology 16(1):16-30.

Untreated STD + Abortion = Serious Health Risk Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) pose a serious risk to a woman’s future reproductive and overall health, especially if left untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, 1 out of 4 women between the ages of 14 and 19 is infected with at least one STD. Any abortion procedure (including medical abortion) opens the risk of transmitting bacteria from outside the woman’s body or from the vagina into the woman’s cervix. Women who have an untreated STD (like chlamydia or gonorrhea) are up to 23% more likely to develop Pelvic Inflamatory Disease (PID) following an abortion procedure.1 If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, schedule your free pre-termination evaluation today to receive STD testing and treatment to protect your future reproductive health. ____________________________________________________________________ Westergaard L, Phillipsen T, Scheibel J (1982). “Significance of cervical Chlamydia trachomatis infection in postabortal pelvic inflammatory disease.” Obstetrics and Gynecology, 68(5): 668-90; Ovigstad E, et al. (1983). “Pelvic inflammatory disease associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection after therapeutic abortion.” Br J Vener Dis, 59: 189-92; Heisterberg L, et al. (1987). “The role of vaginal secretory immunoglobulin a, gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobes, and Chlamydia trachomatis in post abortal pelvic inflammatory disease.” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 66(2): 99-102.

Many women have concerns regarding their physical and emotional health following an abortion. It is important to understand what symptoms to expect and how to take care of yourself to help alleviate the physical and emotional impacts of an abortion. Taking Care of Yourself After an Abortion • Drink water and healthy fluids. • Eat healthy food. • Get plenty of rest. • Avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy objects for at least one week. • Take any antibiotics you were given for the full number of days prescribed. • Avoid vaginal insertions for at least two weeks, including sex and tampons. Call your doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms you are having. Post Abortive Complications: Warning Signs Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms after an abortion: • Heavy bleeding or passing large clots (larger than golf ball size). • Bleeding that lasts more than 14 days. • Fever over 100 degrees. • Abdominal pain that is worse than a normal period. • Signs of infection such as achiness and general feeling of illness. • Vomiting that lasts more than 4 hours. • Sudden abdominal swelling or rapid heart rate. • Vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad. • Pain, redness or swelling in the genital area. Physical Effects Most women experience some of the following after an abortion: • Bleeding – on average bleeding lasts 14 days, but can last as long as 21 days.1 • Cramping • Dizziness • Drowsiness • Nausea/Vomiting These symptoms typically resolve within a week, sometimes longer. If symptoms persist or become severe, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. Emotional Effects Research suggests that women who have had abortions may be at increased risk for mental health problems.2 Some women who have experienced an abortion report symptoms similar to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.3 Some of those symptoms may include: • Regret • Grief • Sadness/Depression • Anxiety • Guilt/Shame • Suicidal thoughts Contact us for a referral to a licensed counselor if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. It is important for your health that you not ignore any negative feelings you may have. The National Hotline for Abortion Recovery is also available to assist you via phone: 866-482-5433 or online: www.nationalhelpline.org. For information about additional long-term health impacts of abortion, see Abortion Risks and Side Effects. Abortion Reversal If you have taken the first dose of the abortion pill and are experiencing doubts about your abortion, please contact us immediately at 225.275.0100. See Abortion Reversal for more information. _________________________________________________________________ Davis A, Westhoff C, De Nonno L (2000). Bleeding patterns after early abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol or manual vacuum aspiration. J Am Med Womens Assoc 55(3 Suppl):141-4; Harwood B, Meckstroth KR, Mishell Dr, Jain JK (2001). Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels and endometrial thickness after medical abortion. Contraception 63(4):255-6. Fergusson DM, Horwood LJ, Ridder E (2006). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. J Child Psychol Psyc 47(1):16-24. Coyle CT, Coleman PK, Rue VM (2010). Inadequate preabortion counseling and decision conflict as predictors of subsequent relationship difficulties and psychological stress in men and women. Traumatology 16(1):16-30.

Have you taken the first dose of the ABORTION PILL, MIFEPRISTONE (Mifeprex or RU-486)? Do you regret your decision and wish you could reverse the effects of the abortion pill? We are waiting to help you! There is an effective process for reversing the abortion pill, called ABORTION PILL REVERSAL, so call today! Call us right now, so we can talk with you and offer you help. For a non-emergency call 225-272-3680 for emergency only call 225-229-5826. We know that an unplanned pregnancy can be scary and many women make decisions to abort their babies when they are terrified and stressed. We know that after some time thinking about it, many women would like to change their minds about a CHEMICAL ABORTION. IT MAY NOT BE TOO LATE, IF YOU CALL QUICKLY. If you have only taken the first dose within 48 to 60 hours please… talk with one of our nurses who can guide you towards reversing the effects of the abortion pill. It’s the right thing to do… and we will help you every step of the way. Call us now. CALL OUR 24/7 HOTLINE If you have only taken the first dose within 48 to 60 hours. If this is an non-emergency, please call our non-urgent office line: (225) 272-3680 If you are seeking immediate assistance, please call our 24/7 decision line: (225) 229-5826

Dana’s Story Hello, my name is Dana, and I’m sharing my personal story with you, not to tell you what to do, but to maybe help you think it through before you make any drastic decisions. I had my fourth child in April of 2014. I was a mother, a full-time waiter, and I had a crazy busy life, but I loved my family very much. Originally during my last pregnancy, I had hoped for one more boy, but had another daughter who I am very thankful for. My husband and I thought our family was complete, although we wanted another son, maybe eventually. I started having some stomach issues and underwent surgery in August of 2014, but it turned out I just had a little inflammation. Jokingly, my dad had said to me, “You’re not pregnant already, right?” I laughed and said, “No way.” I went home that day and thought to myself, “There’s no way, but wait…when was my last period?” Then I thought again, “No way, they tested me before surgery.” Then it came to me: I hadn’t had a period since the beginning of the month prior. I decided it wouldn’t hurt to take one test at home. Low and behold, it came up positive right away. I had super mixed emotions. I felt excited, happy, scared, and so did my husband. As I was putting more and more thought into it, and listening to the opinions of my family, I started to panic. I had just had a baby, this one would make five. How could I pay for all of these children to eat, go to school, do fun things, diapers, who would watch them while we worked? Millions of thoughts were racing through my mind. I always thought I would never make the decision of abortion, but it came to that. On the morning of the appointment, I kept thinking, “This isn’t right, I shouldn’t go.” But then I thought, “It’s got to happen.” My mother took me to the appointment. The few protesters standing outside with signs against abortion made me feel sick to my stomach. I sat in the appointment, sad, nauseous, and unsure. My mom and I cried. They called my name and did an ultrasound. I could barely sit through it, and I didn’t look once at the screen, but they printed a picture and asked if I would want it. I responded, “Yes.” Next, I went into the room with the doctor to take the first pill. They send you home with the second pill. As the doctor placed the pill in front of me, I felt like the worst person in the world. I grabbed it and took it. When I left my appointment my mother was talking, and I was just quiet. I was so sad, I felt so sick, and I was already regretting my actions. I was thinking, “What if that would have been the son I wanted.” I cried with my husband, and I cried myself to sleep. The next morning, I was due to take the second set of pill, and I was panicking. I was crying hysterically at home while I looked at my other children still asleep that morning. I decided to look for help, and I Googled Abortion Pill Regret. A website popped up and had a phone number to call. I called and talked to a lovely woman named Debbie, and she was dedicated to help me and showed such compassion. Her first idea was to talk to my obstetrician to see if he would be willing to give me an injection of progesterone. I had called him and told him what I did, and he didn’t want to help me due to concerns of something going wrong, and he didn’t want to be held liable. I was so disappointed and the nurse even tried talking to him. When he again declined, she got in touch with another doctor near me. He was my angel. He wanted to help me! He immediately called in the progesterone to start blocking the effects of the mifepristone. I was monitored a little closer in the beginning, and ended up having a successful pregnancy. In April of 2015, I gave birth to my perfect little baby boy! I am so happy that there was help out there for me and my baby. I am so very thankful for the nurse that took my phone call and the doctor who didn’t turn his back on me – it is because of them that I have my precious baby boy here with me. I hope the best for you and want to express to you that this is your own decision, the hardest one you will ever make, and think clearly about it. Don’t take anyone else’s opinions, as this is something you yourself will have to remember for your entire life. I will remember mine as well. In the end, even though the thought of raising a child is scary, it will all be worth it. God bless you all, Dana Cachet’s Story I never thought I would find myself having a break down in a Wal-Mart bathroom, but I did, and at that moment I knew I had just made a horrible mistake. Finding out I was pregnant was not the magical moment I envisioned it to be. In fact, it was the complete opposite. I was devastated. From the beginning I had my mind set on not keeping the baby. I tried to convince myself that terminating the pregnancy was the best decision for the child. I didn’t want to bring her into a situation that was less than perfect. I thought, “how can I take care of a baby when I can barely take care of myself?” A few days after finding out I was pregnant I visited a pregnancy center. I thought the center would provide information on abortion procedures, clinics, and such, but I was actually given information and guidance on caring for a baby, as the pregnancy center was a pro-life facility. After the visit I was still convinced to follow through with my original plan of terminating the pregnancy. I researched a tremendous amount about the abortion pill and decided that was the method I was going to use. I found an office and made my appointment. The morning of my appointment I tried to block out all of the feelings of possibly keeping the baby. I continued to tell myself that doing this would be best. I felt heaviness in my heart the entire way there, and once I was in the office the heaviness became even stronger. The place felt so dark and morbid. It was really creepy. After being called back to the room, I was briefed on the pills and given information on what to expect for the next few days. I then took the first dose, gathered my things and left. On my way home I stopped at Wal-Mart to get a few things. Like normal, I went to the bathroom and all at once it hit me that I had just made the worst decision ever. In that moment I knew I did not want to continue with the process of aborting my baby, but I had no idea what to do. I rushed home and jumped on my computer to see if reversing the abortion pill was even an option. All sorts of things were going through my mind, but I was determined to save my baby. Quicker than I thought, I found a site with a number to call for people who were in my exact situation and needed help reversing the pill. The lady who answered was so nice and comforting. She gathered some information and told me she would call me right back. Minutes later, she called back with the number of a doctor who would be able to help. I called the doctor and she had me come in right away. She informed me that it was imperative to start my treatment immediately. The progesterone treatment was a success and months later I welcomed my perfectly healthy baby girl to the world. Not following through with the abortion pill has been a tremendous blessing. My little girl is the joy of my life and I truly don’t know what I would do with out her. I am so thankful God placed people in my path who were able to make sure my little angel had a chance at life. Rebecca’s Story This is my story about how I was given a light, a way, and a chance that saved my son’s life. When I found out I was pregnant, I was fearful and uncertain. My friends asked, “Are you going to keep it?” Obviously, I had a choice. I had 8 months to go before I graduated nursing school. I was in a relationship that was going south by the minute. I had no car and little income. I was not ready to have a baby. All I needed to do was take a pill and the rest would be history. No one had to know and life could go on as I intended. This was a very persuasive argument. It seemed like the right decision, until I took the abortion pill. After I took the abortion pill, I began to think about how this world is only for a short while, but my choice to abort this baby would be eternal. I would have to face my Creator. It was crystal clear to me that I made a huge mistake. I popped out of bed, went downstairs, and began to search on Google. I clicked on “abortion reversal.” I called the hotline provided on the website and asked, “Is it true that the abortion pill can be reversed?” The hotline nurse answered, “Yes.” She then gave me a number for a doctor and told me to call him. The doctor told me to meet him at the hospital promptly. It was about 11:00pm when I got to the hospital, to meet with the mysterious miracle doctor. Everything was uncertain and surreal, but this doctor quieted those feelings. He was different from any other doctor I had met. First of all, he was expected to fly out the following morning to a convention. He dropped what he was doing to meet me. Second, it wasn’t a rushed meeting…he greeted me, he educated me, and most importantly he spoke with me about my fears and comforted me with the Word of God. Yes, the Word of God. There was nothing more powerful he could have prescribed me that night because from that moment I surrendered my fears and let God steer the way for me and my unborn baby. Next, the medical goal was to flood my system with natural progesterone to overpower the abortion pill. This was followed by a course of progesterone for the rest of my pregnancy. I wondered if this would work, or was it already too late? After I went home, no bleeding or cramping occurred. The following Saturday the doctor returned from his trip. My mom accompanied me to see if the reversal worked. We met the doctor for an ultrasound. The baby had a strong heartbeat that resonated throughout the room. Wow! It worked! I was now worried about how much damage I had possibly done to this baby with the abortion pill. When I voiced these fears to the doctor, he never once succumbed to the negative “what if’s.” Instead, he always directed the attention to the miracle baby growing inside me. Despite any damage that could have been done to the baby, it could also have been overcome. God, was that powerful. From then on I reminded myself that this was no longer in my control. God was in control. All I could control was taking my supplements, going to my appointments, and preparing myself for my baby. Every ultrasound, consultation and blood draw came out perfectly. My son grew and grew strongly. He was delivered at 8lbs 1 oz with an APGAR score of 8 and 9 (good!). He was gorgeous. He takes my breath away every day. At his 2-month visit his pediatric doctor told us that he looks great and for us to be aware he will probably be advanced with crawling and walking. I completed nursing school, passing exams before and after the delivery. My boyfriend is on his way to becoming a good husband. As I laid my son down to sleep tonight I started to cry. Despite every trouble, I have my son in my life and no problem seems too big with him. He is God’s miracle, he is God’s gift to me and this world, and I feel so blessed to be his mom. I just want to hold my miracle son and pass our story on to the countless people who are just like us – those who need an answer and a glimpse of God’s real plan.