A Life Transformed: The Power of Compassion and Support

Suspecting she was pregnant, Jasmine first walked into the Houston Pregnancy Help Center’s Fifth Ward after experiencing a traumatic incident. Though she already had the funds in hand for an abortion, she wanted to confirm the pregnancy – and the Pregnancy Center was the closest place offering free tests. Despite her painful shyness, Jasmine immediately felt comfortable at the Center. When the test confirmed that she was indeed pregnant, Jasmine met with staff who assured her that she wasn’t alone – they were there for her. There was nothing she might need that they couldn’t help with. Staff guided Jasmine through her pregnancy and adoption options, and they even offered her an ultrasound. It was the ultrasound that changed things. When she heard the heartbeat, “I heard life. I even heard something divine,” Jasmine shared. “This is not something to get rid of; it’s very real.” It was then Jasmine knew she could not abort. She was eager to return to the Pregnancy Center. At her next visit, Jasmine brought her laptop, where she had meticulously typed out her story, her concerns, and her questions. Nervousness made it difficult to remember everything, so she had come prepared. And then she shared her story. Jasmine’s pregnancy was the result of a horrible gang rape, and her life had already been marked by abuse and instability. Her mother was struggling with a pain pill addiction, and Jasmine couldn’t tell her she was pregnant. But, despite the layers of low self-esteem and self-worth, Jasmine’s tenacious spirit was evident. Encouraged by everything the Houston Pregnancy Help Center could help with, Jasmine knew she wanted a stable, thriving life for herself and her child – and the staff knew she could achieve it. They recognized her determination. Soon, Jasmine became a familiar face at the Center – attending Nurse Mary’s pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting classes. She received practical resources: diapers, wipes, baby clothes, a breast pump (after learning about breastfeeding from Nurse Mary), and even a car seat. Later, the staff celebrated with her when her son began potty training, by giving her his first potty seat. But the Center’s support went beyond even the basics. Along with others, Jasmine joined an Embrace Grace Bible study, where she found support and community, and later reconnected with her own church. The Center helped her locate a maternity home, then temporary housing, and eventually, she was reconciled with her mother – who had become healthy (Note to Molly: Do you know if they mean that she is now sober? In which case I would say: “who had achieved sobriety.”) With the Center’s help, affordable childcare options allowed Jasmine the opportunity to continue her college education, where she earned not one, but two degrees. Today, she is gainfully employed! At Christmas, Jasmine returned the kindness with ornaments for several staff members - each engraved with her baby boy’s name and the Bible verse that had inspired it. Through it all, Jasmine blossomed. Her self-esteem grew and she now knows her self-worth. Even as the Center was helping her find stable ground, she was already finding ways to help others. Jasmine’s journey is a beautiful, encouraging testament of what can happen when women have the resources and practical support to create a brighter future for themselves and their children. And it’s a reminder of the impact one ultrasound can have in changing – and saving – a life.

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