By Debra Braun, Education Director
On Friday, February 13, volunteer Mary Kay L. had stationed herself at the north driveway to Whole Woman’s after the abortionist arrived so that she could reach out to the abortion pill clients leaving. Unexpectedly, a couple drove in that driveway a little after 11:00. Mary Kay was able to give them literature. They acknowledged that the woman was about 6 weeks pregnant and there for an abortion.
As a therapist, Mary Kay had recently helped with a Rachel’s Vineyard post-abortion healing weekend. The pain of parents after an abortion was fresh in her mind. So besides explaining the help available to them, she also talked about post-abortion suffering. She said she “begged” them not to abort.
The man stayed in the vehicle, but when his wife walked in, I called out to her about our help, etc. About 20 minutes later, she came out to the vehicle. Ten minutes after that, they drove out. (I was now at the north driveway because Mary Kay was leaving.)
I asked if they had changed their minds and the woman said yes. I inquired what caused her to do so, and she said, “Well, I didn’t really want to do have an abortion.” Then she pointed at Mary Kay (who had come back to the driveway after seeing the woman walking out) and explained that what she said had impacted her. The man said the same thing about Mary Kay’s influence on their decision. The woman said that their financial situation is unstable right now so I explained the financial help we offer. I gave her my business card, and encouraged her to call me if they need anything.
I then gave her the tiny 8-week fetal model which also seemed to make a great impact on her, seeming to cement her decision for life. They thanked us and drove off as Mary Kay and I praised God for this life saved!
I was reminded of something I had read from a pro-life leader decades ago about how God has placed in our hands the ability to help save lives and what a great responsibility that is. Sometimes it is actually quite easy to help save a life; we just need to be present, hand out brochures, say a few words of encouragement and caution, and pray!
Mary Kay adds, “Before the couple drove in the back driveway, I was feeling a bit discouraged. I prayed to Jesus and Blessed Mother Mary right there (but also earlier in the morning) to help me / support me overall in what I was doing there. I prayed to Jesus to cover me with his Precious Blood and for Blessed Mother Mary to cover me w/ her Mantle. Not long after this prayer, this couple pulled into the parking lot, and then a little later, left the parking lot. I believe that my powerful prayers were answered.”
Learn more about our life-saving ministry at plam.org/sidewalk-counseling/
