Your Gift of an Ultrasound Changed Her Mind

It’s easier than ever to end a pregnancy. With one quick search online, women and men can access abortion pills in seconds.

It was just a few days before Christmas when Ritsuko and her boyfriend, Johnny, found out they were pregnant.

It felt like the worst possible timing so they began looking for places to go for help, not knowing how far along they were. “We spent a lot of time researching free resources, looking for a place to confirm the pregnancy and that’s when we stumbled upon CHOICES.”

Walking into CHOICES, Ritsuko knew abortion was her best decision. She and Johnny had just relocated to Florida and hadn’t started their new jobs yet. “Moving here was already a big financial commitment so to find out we were pregnant was a really big shock to us.”

She explained that it was just not the right time. Her advocate listened attentively and encouraged her to think through her decision and not base it on the emotions she was feeling right now. Ritsuko agreed, but her mind was made up — she wanted an abortion and nothing could change her mind.

Thanks to friends of CHOICES, Ritsuko received an ultrasound that was completely free of charge. She was so happy to see her baby and asked if she could hear the baby’s heartbeat. It was in that second, everything changed. The whooshing and thumping pierced the darkness. Both Ritsuko and Johnny were amazed at the tiny baby movements and heartbeat. Ritsuko later shared, “We had the chance to hear the baby’s heartbeat on the ultrasound and after that, we made the decision to keep the baby!”

Ritsuko and Johnny both completed our Legacy Parenting Development Course and said, “Thank God we did, because we really learned a lot and received so many free resources and so much help. If we hadn’t gone to CHOICES, we probably wouldn’t have kept the baby.” Friends of CHOICES at Mosaic Church threw them a baby shower and in July, sweet baby Ezra was born. CHOICES also helped her reconnect with Christ, which is exactly what they needed to strengthen their bond as a couple.

“Our journey wasn’t the easiest one and we had a lot of challenges along the way, but without the support of CHOICES, I know we wouldn’t be where we are. Making the decision to choose life was the best decision we ever made. Thank you so much!”
— Ritsuko