Before I became closely connected with the work of First Image, I had no idea how much abortion was part of my community’s story. Beginning with hosting my first table at the annual gala three years ago, I have found myself increasingly placed in the sacred position of hearing women share their stories. Whether it’s an abortion experienced long ago, or the unexpected pregnancy discovered today, my community is holding more than I ever knew.
While I was surprised and humbled to discover this reality, I perhaps should not have been. Recent studies confirm that one in four women in the United States will experience an abortion during their reproductive years. Other studies reveal that forty percent of women who have an abortion are also attending church at the time. As a churchgoing individual living in a state where 10,000 abortions were completed in the past year, abortion is part of my story.
This is why I’m convinced that the courageous and compassionate work of First Image is needed in our world today. Inspired and guided by the love of Jesus Christ, the staff and volunteers at First Image’s Ava Health clinics offer a unique space for women to receive care when they need it most. With free pregnancy tests and early ultrasounds, we can offer the 70% of women who would be choosing their abortion in the first 9 weeks of pregnancy the opportunity to make an informed decision. It is our prayer and hope that seeing their little one on the screen and learning about their options, including the wide network of support available to them, would encourage a valiant decision to carry their child to term.
One doesn’t need to be a staff member or volunteer of First Image to participate in this incredible work.
Perhaps you, like me, are ready to start
Whether it’s an abortion experienced long ago, or the unexpected pregnancy discovered today, my community is holding more than I ever knew.
more conversations of grace and boldness with your community about abortion. We would love to see you and a friend join us at our annual gala coming up on October 12th to help you start that conversation.
You can also participate by becoming a partner of First Image in finances, or prayer, or both! We cannot reach the women we seek to serve without the generous donations and prayers of our partners.
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