Her first thought? Abortion. “I am only 21 years old,” Brittany thought. “I am still in school. I still have a life that I want to finish before having a child.”
“I would go in, it would be a quick procedure and I’ll never have to think about this pregnancy.”
But she did her research and found out that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“There’s no way to sugar coat it; an abortion is a procedure where you terminate the life of your child. If I did this, it would not be a quick fix. This is a life-changing procedure that would haunt me for the rest of my life.”
And today, bringing her baby to meet with members of Congress, it’s safe to say that choosing life changed Brittany’s life forever.
Brittany and three other mothers who chose life for their babies recently took their children to Washington D.C. for Heartbeat International’s “Babies Go to Congress.”
They bring their babies to Capitol Hill and show how life should be appreciated and cherished for what it is: a gift from God.
Their children, who were once described as just a clump of cells, are now the most beloved part of their mothers’ lives and their mothers wish to share their tales of facing adversity and finding love with others.
Brittany was a young college student almost three years ago when she and her boyfriend found out that they were expecting. They were flooded with the emotions you would expect: shock and fear of the future.
They didn’t know how they would be able to succeed in parenthood if they tried, both being young, unmarried and not ready to start a family. They went to an abortion clinic to get more information on the option that seemed to be best for them at the time.
The visit did not sit well with Brittany.
The literature at the clinic spoke of the babies being simply fetuses and clumps of cells that did not matter. They even described first-trimester abortion as something that will “gently take the pregnancy tissue out of your uterus.”
But Brittany’s own research led her to a different conclusion.
“My own definition of this is killing your child,” she said. “There’s no way to sugar coat it; an abortion is a procedure where you terminate the life of your child. If I did this, it would not be a quick fix. This is a life-changing procedure that would haunt me for the rest of my life.”
She explained her feelings to her boyfriend. He was not sure. He told her that having a baby would be a mistake and that this baby would ruin their lives, but Brittany was firm in her decision. She would not be having an abortion.
Though he wasn’t too happy about her not wanting an abortion, her boyfriend went with her to a pregnancy help center. That is when things started to look up.
“Right when I walked in, I felt a sense of relief. These women were here to help me make the best decision for me.” Brittany had found hope and she knew that her baby would always be loved and wanted.
Brittany had walked into a center called Hand of Hope, and there are many centers like it across the country.
These centers can offer information, ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, STI testing, and even baby clothes to mothers who are often going through a rollercoaster of emotions.
Another thing that is interesting about these centers is that they have a 99 percent satisfaction rate from those who have used their help. And they are widely more preferred by the public than abortion facilities.
Brittany soon found out why.
“They assured me that this baby was not a mistake,” she said. “God had planned this baby to come during this period of my life. God had even made plans for the growing baby inside me. God loved me so much that he gave me the amazing gift of a child. He trusted me to be a mother to this baby, whether I planned to be a mother or not.”
They soon had their first ultrasound, and the effect on Brittany was profound. “Yes, my baby did not yet look like a baby on the ultrasound screen, but there was a strong heartbeat, that you could easily see, flickering on the screen. That heartbeat of life that God gave me and trusted me to take care of, love, and eventually raise. I saw true love for the first time on that ultrasound screen.”
Brittany ultimately chose life for her baby.
“God doesn’t make mistakes and I knew there was some reason God decided to get me pregnant before I was ready.” Just as God entrusts all parents with their children, He entrusted Brittany, and she took her responsibilities seriously.
However, Brittany continues to face criticism for her choice.
Soon after the ultrasound, Brittany and her boyfriend discussed the situation with his mom. His mom told Brittany that keeping the baby was selfish, effectively breaking the heart of the young mother-to-be.
But it would not change her mind.
Brittany was in love with her baby, and though she and her boyfriend decided to break off their relationship, she was determined to take care of their child.
Brittany’s son, Noah, arrived on Thanksgiving Day 2016.
“At 3:24 pm, I met my true love,” she said. “An innocent human being that I had created and had the honor of bringing into the world. I wouldn’t change my decision for anything.”
And now? Now Brittany, along with 3 other mothers will go to Washington D.C. to share their stories with members of Congress. They want everyone to realize that every life is precious, not only to the parents, but to God.
These mothers know that life begins at conception, no matter what somebody is trying to convince you of. They also know that God works through these pregnancy help centers to ensure that the parents themselves are cared for along with the babies.
And Brittany, well she’s got a few words to impart. “I hope my story helps other women out there that may be in the situation I was in. You may feel alone and scared. Remember that God doesn’t make mistakes. A baby is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted.”
No, God does not make mistakes and He certainly does not mistakenly grant life. Life, all life, is something to be cherished and appreciated. Let us pray that all of those who are struggling with pregnancy will realize this.
Let us also pray for those centers out there who are dedicated to saving the lives of innocent babies and to making sure their mothers stay healthy and feel cherished themselves.
To learn more about Heartbeat International’s “Babies Go to Congress”, to donate, or to become an affiliate and help in the fight to save lives, please visit www.heartbeatinternationa
