By Janet M., volunteer sidewalk counselor
I met a woman on the sidewalk outside the St. Paul Planned Parenthood on March 18. She said she was there for an abortion but she was willing to talk to me since she still had doubts about getting the abortion. We talked for at least 15 minutes.
Although she had many reasons for choosing abortion, her main concern was bringing a child into this world where he/she would experience so much pain. She knew because her life had been very difficult. Her second reason was that she just didn’t want to raise another child. We didn’t discuss her other children but she shared that she had an abortion over a year ago and that she didn’t regret it. She asked if I was a Christian and told me she was as well.
First, I tried to make it clear that we were talking about a real, live, human being, with us here, on the sidewalk. Second, that it’s wrong to make a decision based on what you think might happen. I explained that God was giving her a second chance to trust Him. Halfway through our discussion, another pro-lifer, Xavier, joined the conversation. (He was driving by and saw me and thought he could help.)
He reinforced everything I had been saying to her and I was very grateful for his help since I wasn’t sure if I was making an impact. One statement he made that really seemed to make a difference was that a demon told her that her first abortion was okay, and was telling her that now, as well, and every time she listens to that voice, the farther she moves away from Jesus.
His comments made me think of a friend who works at a pregnancy resource center whom I thought could really help her. I mentioned this and Xavier encouraged me to call her and have her talk to this young woman. I did and I heard her tell my friend that she would try to make a support group meeting the next day. She then asked me if I would walk with her to Abria, the nearby pregnancy center. It was clear that this young woman needed to hear from many sources that life was the right choice. I am convinced that it was a small miracle that Xavier came by when he did and that my friend was available. God is good!
