At a time when most high school students are thinking about what outfits they will wear for homecoming, or what their plans are for the weekend, Macy was thinking that she might be pregnant and, if she was pregnant, did she want to be a mom or did she want an abortion?!
*Macy first came to us looking for a free pregnancy test. Her first appointment yielded a negative result but began an important conversation about her options. Macy was reserved and shaky but honest about the fact that she had no idea what she would choose and knew she just needed to take one step at a time. One week later, Macy and her boyfriend, Ryan, returned for a pregnancy re-test, where they received the results that her test was positive. They both seemed to be a jumble of nerves and feelings as they took in the information that Macy was, in fact, pregnant. On his way out of the building, Ryan let out some of his fear and frustration. He was along for the ride with Macy and had already been talking with his family. Ryan’s mom was pushing them to consider abortion. She had her children at a young age and had faced financial struggles throughout her life which she related to starting her family young and hoped for a different life for Ryan and Macy. Both Macy and Ryan left LaVie after their second appointment feeling completely on the fence, and unsure about the future of their pregnancy, and the rest of their lives.
By the time Macy and Ryan came for their third appointment, Macy had begun taking prenatal vitamins, even though they seemed to make her nausea worse. During this ultrasound, Macy and Ryan stared up at the screen, watching their baby and asking questions. After their ultrasound, the couple asked for pictures of their baby and told the nurse they had scheduled an appointment with an OB/GYN to get established for prenatal care. Ryan was now showing his excitement and helped Macy pick out their first baby blanket before they left. Macy remained reserved but had a quiet excitement and assuredness about her as the appointment ended.
Macy and Ryan will return for one final follow-up appointment at LaVie where they can bring Macy’s parents, who will have a chance to see this precious new life and get valuable information and resources to help these teenagers thrive as parents. Macy and Ryan will continue to receive support and education from our Earn While You Learn Program as they prepare to welcome this new life into the world.
*names and identifiable information changed to protect patient privacy
