“This is really bad timing.”
That’s how Toria began her appointment at one of Save the Storks’ partner pregnancy clinics, Women’s Life Care Center, in Little Canada, Minnesota. She and her boyfriend, Joel, were visibly anxious and unsure. Toria was leaning toward abortion and feeling overwhelmed by the idea of continuing her pregnancy. Though the couple had been together for several months, the news had shaken them.
Toria was employed full-time in a job she enjoyed, but she didn’t have medical benefits—and the thought of supporting a baby on her own was daunting. She lived with her mom, who assured her she would support whatever decision Toria made. It was her mom who gently encouraged her to get an ultrasound, to get more clarity on how far along she might be.
A 19-Week Surprise
When Toria arrived at the pregnancy clinic, the staff welcomed her with compassion and care. During her free ultrasound appointment, she learned she was already 19 weeks along.
That’s when everything changed.
“The ultrasound was pivotal,” the client advocate, Rita, shared. “Both Toria and Joel were amazed. Toria was full of questions—she was clearly curious about her baby’s development. And then, her baby flexed her arm.”
“She’s showing off!” Toria laughed. Joel joined in, the moment filled with joy and surprise as they watched their baby move on the screen.
A Safe Space for Truth
After the ultrasound, the advocate met with Toria to talk through her pregnancy options—something Toria had specifically asked about when scheduling the appointment. Because she was already in her second trimester, she was no longer eligible for a chemical abortion. The advocate used medically accurate materials from the state’s department of health to explain the surgical abortion procedure, including information about fetal development and the baby’s capacity to feel pain.
Toria listened closely, but her mind kept returning to the ultrasound.
“She kept talking about how amazing it was to see the four chambers of her baby’s heart,” Rita shared. “She even mentioned the baby’s hiccups during the scan.”
Then, Toria made her decision.
“Now that I’ve seen her, I just can’t abort her.”
Also read: Debunking 5 PRC Myths: The Truth About Life-Affirming Clinics
A Life Saved, A Future Preserved
That one moment changed everything. Toria and Joel left the clinic beaming. Toria thanked the staff for the prenatal vitamins and said she would begin taking them right away. She enrolled in the clinic’s Learn and Earn pregnancy education program, and Joel enthusiastically said he’d be watching the videos with her.
The clinic provided Toria with a doctor referral list, insurance information, and local food support resources. Before she left, she and her advocate scheduled a follow-up visit to continue building community and support.
The Joy of Saying Yes to Life
As she left the clinic that day, Toria’s entire demeanor had shifted. She was lighter, more confident. For the first time since learning she was pregnant, she felt peace. And Joel, smiling ear to ear, was already stepping into his role as a proud dad.
At Save the Storks, we partner with pregnancy clinics across the country to ensure every woman—just like Toria—has access to compassionate care, truth-filled conversations, and powerful moments like seeing her baby on an ultrasound screen.
This story is a reminder of why this work matters. Donate today to help us be there for more women like Toria.
One ultrasound. One moment. One life forever changed.
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