First Fruits Friday - Faith Can Move Mountains
At Seneca, we witness many young mothers accompanied to the abortion facility by their parents. In Georgia, minors are required to have a parent or guardian’s consent to obtain an abortion. In many circumstances, thes mothers are left without a true choice in the matter.
Despite the young mothers being open to life and willing to talk with our sidewalk advocates, their parents refuse to allow them to consider a life giving choice.
Recently, we met a young girl named Jackie* and her mother on their way to the abortion facility.
"At the age of 13, I became pregnant with my son. I had him when I was 14 and stayed in school. It was hard. I want better for my child,"
Jackie’s mother said.
After getting an ultrasound at the mobile clinic and then speaking with the Seneca Case Manager, both Jackie and her mother were feeling better about parenting the baby. Dates were set up for continued case management meetings.
Unfortunately, they ultimately walked into the abortion facility. They were in the abortion clinic a short time even before the doctor arrived and hid from us so that we could not see them. They walked out with a referral notice. Jackie was too far along in her pregnancy and was now facing going to another state to get her abortion. Her mom would not look at us, but Jackie waved and continued on. We will continue to contact her mother to discuss ways to continue the pregnancy and to provide them support.
Many people do not know that it is against the law to force a minor to have an abortion. Here are some examples of what young moms hear, how they are manipulated, and how a forced abortion may come about:
“If you have this baby, I am kicking you out of my house.”
“No more talking; I am taking you for an abortion. I have made the appointment.”
“You are my child, and you will do what I say. You will have to have the abortion.”
“I will beat you within an inch of your life, if you don’t stop this nonsense, you are not keeping this baby, and I don’t care what you think.” (Any threat or infliction of violence is unlawful.)
“You are grounded, cut off, and stranded, (or any other punishment) for not choosing to abort.”
“I have worked so hard for you to have a different life. If you have this baby, it will kill me.” (Or any other form of manipulation suggesting that the teen has to choose the life of their baby over the life of their guardians).
Many times, parents feel they are making the best decision to protect their child, but are blinded by their own emotions. We meet women in our healing group decades later who have never recovered from a forced abortion, or who are still feeling the guilt of not supporting their daughter in her pregnancy.
Luckily, Seneca, and many other organizations are here to help. A teen pregnancy does not have to mean the end of school, career dreams, or financial independence. It also does not mean the grandparents are now required to raise the baby.
Our Case Management team works closely with both the minor and their parents to create a plan for success. We connect the family to government and state resources that can assist in this difficult time and beyond.
And ultimately, we support the mother so that she does not have to do anything alone. She has the support of our team as well as the Holy Spirit moving mountains in her life.
Fortunately, Jackie is still pregnant and our case management team is still in touch with the family. Though it will be tough, choosing life means choosing blessings. Choosing life is not a “minor” thing - for the teen or the baby. Yet minors face pressure from inside and outside of the family. Please pray for our teens and their parents!
* Name changed for confidentiality.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.