Many years ago, I had a dear friend who was faced with an unexpected pregnancy while still a young woman. At the time she took her pregnancy test, I remember sitting with her just stunned and silent. I had no words or reassurance for her. The next day, she had her pregnancy confirmed by the university health clinic and received a referral for abortion.
I am ashamed to say that I stood by while she chose to end her baby’s life the day after she knew he existed. In my mind, I know that I was young and ill prepared to face this difficult issue, but in my heart it is small reconciliation now.
There is little hope that I could have done anything to change her decision, but I sometimes wonder how I could have been a better friend to her at that difficult time. The best word I could use to describe how I felt that week was confused. I knew deep in my soul that it was a bad and wrong decision, but could see and feel the pressure to accept her choice. Even though society seemed to dictate that I was to understand and offer condolences regarding the difficulty of her choice, I really couldn’t do it. So instead, I did nothing.
Even though it has been almost 20 years, I still think about that week and pray for her unborn baby. I ask God for forgiveness in being a silent observer.
Copyright 2010 Lisa Jones
About the Author

Lisa Henley Jones
Lisa Henley Jones is a wife, mom, native Texan, and parish communications director. She enjoys reading, walking, going on date nights, and cheering on her kids in their activities. As a social media consultant, Lisa teaches Catholic parishes to engage, inspire, and evangelize on social media. Find her blog at Of Sound Mind & Spirit and her social media course at Parish Social Media.
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