Not knowing what else to do, she was planning to terminate the pregnancy until...

Amy did not plan to get pregnant again… after all, she had just delivered a baby boy last year. She was barely making ends meet as it was. At the Life Center, she talked with her Patient Advocate about her situation and how she was planning to terminate the pregnancy.

She was planing to terminate the pregnancy

During her ultrasound appointment, Amy sat, shoulders slumped, appearing very conflicted. She said she was proud of how she took responsibility for her first pregnancy. She wasn’t enthusiastic about terminating this pregnancy, but saw it as her only option.

Amy was close to the end of her first trimester and during her ultrasound, her baby stretched, twisted, and showed off his beating heart.

Amy was amazed that the baby was so developed.

She happily exclaimed, “Oh my goodness!  I didn’t have a first trimester ultrasound with my son and I can’t believe how cute and human it already looks!” 

After the exam, Madeline, the sonographer, gave Amy information about a variety of resources (i.e. how to obtain a GED, apply for Medi-Cal, access prenatal care, sign-up for WIC, and other community programs such as Birth & Beyond and Sacramento Food Bank/Family Service). Madeline explained more about resource availability and Amy listened intently.

Stuffing all of the referral information into Amy’s discharge folder, Madeline looked up to see the most peaceful look on Amy’s face. Amy’s mouth literally hung open.  Startled by her expression, Madeline asked Amy what was on her mind.  Amy nodded her head and said, almost triumphantly,

“I can do this!"

"I am shocked at all of the resources you just told me about.  I didn’t even realize most of these programs existed.  I am so grateful that I came here.  I have hope!”

Amy hugged Madeline and promised to let her know when the baby was born.  Amy walked out of the exam room with her head held high and a bounce in her step.