Pro-life warriors halt abortion mission at clinic gate

Having a disability and multiple medical complications, an unexpected pregnancy was not something Kim* was prepared to face. Taking advice from people around her, she believed the easiest solution was to have an abortion.

She was on her way to see a doctor in the Corporate Area to enquire about terminating the pregnancy when her plans suddenly changed.

A group of volunteers from pro-life organisation Friends For Life noticed something about Kim, who was just 11 weeks pregnant at the time. At first, she assumed the people approaching her were staff members from the clinic.

"They didn't allow me to go," said Kim, a visually impaired woman.

"It was two young ladies who came up to me, and they stopped me at the gate. They said they know what I am going to do and I shouldn't do it because they will help," she recalled.

Kim, already a mother of one, admitted that abortion was not a route she was proud to take. She, however, felt her options were limited.

"The lady I was staying with forced me. I don't know why she was pushing me to do it so bad, but I went and the group stopped me. I started to explain my situation to them. They prayed for me and I just started to cry," she explained.

"They said they are from Friends For Life and they will help me through the pregnancy. I gave them my number and I wasn't expecting anything from them, to be honest, because people always promise."

Kim aborted the mission to attend the clinic that day. She said members of the group reached out via telephone the following day.

"I explained all my situation to them, told them I can't work and have financial struggles, and we spoke on the phone and they explained they will take care of me."

However, communication soon dried up, and worry began to set in.

"I text them and tell them say, 'Listen to me, why unu talk me out of it, if you are not going to help?' And they explained what happened, and I can say they proved themselves," she said.

According to Kim, the group provided extensive support throughout her pregnancy, including ultrasounds and doctor visits. The group also assisted with diapers and infant formula.

"They come and look for you at the hospital ... everything a woman wants, to be honest," Kim said.

In Jamaica, abortion remains illegal under the Offences Against the Person Act, except in limited circumstances where a doctor determines that the procedure is necessary to preserve the life or physical or mental health of the mother.

Diane Constantine, project director of Friends For Life, told THE WEEKEND STAR that the group, which was formed three years ago, helped to save 39 babies. She said that its main aim is to help "abortion-minded women" understand that "choosing life is easier than abortion".

As part of the effort, they share messages with women seeking to procure abortions, telling them that help is available, and that they do not have to go through with the procedure. The group is currently participating in a 40 Days for Life campaign that involves prayer and fasting.

"We pray 40 days over the Lenten period for an end to abortion. This is happening with 70 other countries across the globe," Constantine said.

She explained that when the group encounters women in crisis, they provide comprehensive support, tailored to each woman's specific situation.

"They are thinking [that] abortion is their best and only response, but we talk to them and know what is the concern and step in there," Constantine said.

Kim is grateful for the day Friends For Life intervened and stopped her from ending her pregnancy.

"She is going to be two years old," she told THE WEEKEND STAR. "I know I made a good decision for her," she said.