Alana

Engaged in an important life struggle

“I can’t believe I’m in this situation,” 24-year-old Alana thought as she made her way to a free clinic she’d found online to get a pregnancy test and to do whatever was necessary to take care of it. Trying to hang on to her new job and affording an apartment on her own, the last thing she needed right now was a baby. But then she heard her own voice at a different time: “A baby is a precious gift of God.” It was going to be an important day.

Alana felt comfortable talking with Jody, a member of the staff at the Caring Network clinic, about the way her heart was being pulled in different directions. It clearly was
not the first time Jody had heard about this struggle, and she was equipped to share information on the choices and consequences, and also the spiritual dimension. Along with a pregnancy test (positive) and later an ultrasound (first baby picture), the counsel and prayer helped Alana to decide to cancel abortion as an option and to learn how to balance a new baby with the rest of life.