Guest Blog Post
by Amber Snipes
Program Leader, Sidewalk Advocates for Life-Columbus, GA &
Executive Director, Seneca, Choices for Life*
On a busy, rainy abortion day, our Sidewalk Advocates were offering life-saving support to the mothers arriving for their abortion appointments. One particular mother solemnly arrived in our parking lot. The look in her eyes was that of despair and devastation. Her heart looked broken as she raised her hand to her forehead, it was almost as if she was saying to herself, “I can’t believe I’m here.”
In the downpour, a Sidewalk Advocate approached her gently, asking her to roll down the window to chat. This mother opened her window and the two built rapport through a peaceful conversation. The first thing the Sidewalk Advocate did was welcome her with love, give a brief introduction, and ask if she might be pregnant. The woman indicated she was and had other children at home, but she was very sick.
The Sidewalk Advocate told her that Seneca pregnancy resource center was here to help. After a short conversation in the rain, the Sidewalk Advocate noticed the lanyard hanging from her rearview mirror, it simply read:
“I love Jesus.”
The Advocate said, “I love Jesus too. Why don’t you come inside, and we can help you figure out a plan to empower you and your family?”
The mother entered Seneca and immediately began to feel nauseated. Her previous pregnancies were filled with nausea and vomiting. It was noticeable that this woman was desperate as she vomited multiple times.
After an intake and brief assessment of her needs, the Executive Director and Medical Director collaborated on how they could help this mother best. Seneca’s team met her where she was by bringing in the life-saving power of Jesus Christ through the Sidewalk Advocates, along with the immediate medical support that ultimately empowered this mother to choose life. This mother was so relieved to get medical help — as well as resources in case management and a listening ear from our Sidewalk Advocates — that our vision to create a culture of hope was realized in this moment.
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*Seneca, Choices for Life, Columbus, GA is one of the increasing number of pregnancy resource centers partnering with Sidewalk Advocates for Life for training in effective sidewalk outreach to redirect abortion clients to their life-affirming services. For more information about what SAFL offers pregnancy help organizations, visit sidewalkadvocates.org/prc.
