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My youngest child was visiting since my last reflection went up, and the abortion issue was being reported on by someone on the television. My child said, “I don’t know what the issue is, if a woman wants to abort her baby they should be allowed to.” I stood up, and as I walked out of the room, replied, “And that’s what the doctor suggested I do to you.”

When I found out that I was pregnant with this child, I was getting close to 38 years old. I hadn’t planned on getting pregnant, but I knew that our then-youngest child could use a sibling closer to his age. There was a seven-year gap between the third and fourth child. When I told the doctor that I hadn’t planned this one, he just said we can do something about that if you want. I said NO. It had nothing to do with my health or the health of the baby, it was an option because I hadn’t planned it. I’d had multiple miscarriages, so the possibility of me going full-term was remote. It’s never been something that I talked about, and in fact I realized that it was probably the first time that I had told my child what the doctor said.

Two minutes later that child came to me and said, “Mum, I’m glad you didn’t abort me.” We then talked about how life wasn’t easy for either of us. This child was the one that I had to drag kicking and screaming into adulthood, and there were times when my child was in very dark places. I pointed out that my child’s partner’s son would have missed out on so much if I had had an abortion, and life would have been so much poorer without them. Yes, it’s personal. My child changed their mind once they realized that their life on earth might not have been. I wonder how many of those advocating for this bill are only here because their mother said no, and never told anyone.

“My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.” (Psalm 139:15) God had plans for me and this child long before I knew it. Regardless of how tough it was for both of us, I wouldn’t be without the lessons, joys and pride I feel now that this child has reached adulthood.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, help us all to remember that each baby born and unborn is personally loved by You. You know each fibre of their small lives, each hair that they will have is numbered by you. You know the colour of their eyes, the tone of their voice and you have a wonderful plan for each of them. Give strength and courage to those who are trying to care for both the mothers and babies.