We were advocating outside of a Southern California Planned Parenthood when we noticed a teenage couple walking into the parking lot with their backpacks on. They paced outside of the facility for a few minutes, talking, unsure where to go, and if they should go inside or not.
One of our Advocates walked over with a gift bag and asked if they needed help. They took the gift bag with smiles, thanked us, and asked what we were doing there. We told them that we were there to help with whatever they were going through. They both seemed worried, and the girl told us that they had just come from school.
“I’m 16 and I’m scared that I may be pregnant,” she said while holding her stomach. “I know I am too young, but I am not sure if I want to go to Planned Parenthood. I don’t know what to do.”
We consoled her and pointed her to the pregnancy center nearby that offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and options counseling. We gave her our pregnancy-help literature and she seemed relieved. After a few more minutes of talking with our team, the couple decided to go to the pregnancy center instead of Planned Parenthood, walking away looking hopeful and relieved to have more options.
Sidewalk advocacy is as simple as that: being present and reaching out with a lifeline of resources and the love of Christ. We are so thankful God placed us in the path of this young couple.
Submitted by Sidewalk Advocates for Life – Upland, CA
