For a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, her first appointment at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic is designed to meet her with what she needs in that moment—unexpected compassion, information, and hope.
But her first appointment is only the beginning of the support she truly needs.
In the fog of overwhelm and uncertainty, a woman often believes that abortion is her only option. Often, Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic surprises her by the amount of resources and support available that she did not know existed.
The First Appointment: Leading with Compassion and Trusting God with Each Outcome
The first appointment is mutually critical for clients and the team at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic. For the client, the first appointment has the potential to leave her with a lasting impression, and we want that impression to be one of Christ-like compassion and trustworthiness—for her to know that we are a resource of real support. For Two Lines, the first appointment may be the only appointment, and it serves as an opportunity to assess a woman’s circumstances to help determine what support can be offered that would empower her as a mother to choose life.
After providing pregnancy test results and conducting an assessment, Two Lines provides follow-up education and recommendations, which can include another appointment, a referral to specialized obstetric and gynecological care, an invitation to attend pregnancy and parenting classes, or a recommendation to enroll in long-term care management support.
If a woman is still considering abortion at the end of her appointment, she is encouraged to stay in contact with Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic. She has an open invitation to continue the conversation.
“We just make it clear, ‘Hey, we know you’re still grappling with this decision,’” says Meredith, Client Services Manager. “‘You can come back anytime and just take another look.’”
For Meredith, the work comes with a constant reminder of her own limitations. She and her team can extend all the resources and support a woman could need, but ultimately, each woman’s decision is her own. So, in the waiting, Meredith and staff pray.
“Okay, God,” says Meredith, “We just lay this person in Your capable hands. Because ultimately, I cannot change hearts and minds. Only God can do that.”
That confidence in God makes it possible for Two Lines’ staff and volunteers to care for clients without pressuring them into any one decision. Rather, they focus on building relationships by leading with compassion and trusting God with each outcome.
“I just tell them, ‘Look, I am here for you no matter what,’” says Meredith. “‘You can come and you can tell me the hard things, and I’m not going to freak out because I love you. We will work this through together.’”
>> Explore our range of pregnancy services here.
Follow-Up Care and a Plan for What Comes Next
Starting with intentional communication, care for each client continues well beyond her first appointment. Two Lines follows up with each client at three days, three weeks, and 30 weeks after their first appointment, and again after the estimated date of delivery—whether the client returns a phone call and text or not.
“We feel like every touchpoint we can get with a client is really important when they’re facing these kinds of decisions,” says Meredith. “We’re really big into forming a relationship and forming trust early.”
For women who decide to continue their pregnancies, the next step with Two Lines is based upon their needs. It may be a simple early-pregnancy consultation, enrollment in a pregnancy or parenting education program, or a referral to care management.
Education programs include Journeys and Connections/Conexiones. Through Journeys, women participate in a 20-week video education series designed for first-time moms and dads to guide them through the experience of pregnancy and parenthood. After their baby is born, parents can continue growing their parenting skills and establishing their own network of support through Connections or Conexiones, two-year programs that introduce them to other parents in similar situations and community resources. Connections is for English-speaking clients, and Conexiones is for Spanish-speaking clients.
Care management is provided by Two Lines social workers who help clients identify and navigate obstacles that may stand in the way of pregnancy and parenting. These obstacles can include figuring out insurance, finding employment or housing, or navigating situations involving domestic violence by connecting clients with appropriate resources, among many others.
“We talk through whatever’s going on. We meet them where they’re at, and we let them know they’re not alone,” Meredith says.
Care After Abortion
For some women, their pregnancy story includes abortion. As a life-affirming organization that leads with Christ-like compassion, Two Lines is prepared to meet these women with support through post-abortive care, providing an opportunity to process their experience and seek healing. This process may take time—sometimes years—before a woman feels prepared to talk about her abortion.
According to a 2014 survey published in the National Library of Medicine, 45% of patients reported having had a previous abortion. That statistic highlights why Two Lines’s willingness to remain present matters. A woman may have another pregnancy after an abortion, and having a trusted relationship in place could encourage her to take a different path forward.
Your Support Keeps Our Clinic Doors Open
Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic is a nonprofit medical clinic, fully funded by the generosity of donor support. Two Lines exists to encourage women and families facing an unexpected pregnancy to choose life by serving them before, during, and after pregnancy with Christ-like compassion. All services are provided free of charge to remove barriers that would prevent women and families from getting the care they need to walk through their pregnancy crisis with support.
Donor giving makes every part of the care Two Lines provides possible, from that first critical appointment to every medical service and education program so Two Lines can keep showing up as a trusted resource. Faithful donor giving ensures that no woman facing an unexpected pregnancy ever has to walk alone.
“I wish all donors could see the difference between when a woman comes in here for her first appointment and when she walks out of that first appointment,” says Meredith. “It’s really a look of relief on their face that they’re able to talk things through and they’re able to make a plan.”
Thank you for making this ministry possible. Together, following Christ’s example in the care we give, we want to make abortion unthinkable.