A Poem on Abortion
by Christina

Rochester Area Right To Life

We are honored that Christina's poem about abortion is being used to touch the heart of others. Her father and I have tried to help her see the horror of abortion through compassionate eyes. I am sure you see-- perhaps daily-- the pain and heartbreak of young mothers who struggle with the awful ambivalence of such a wrenching decision--making a choice between mothering and murdering--between bearing a child or bearing the shame of disclosure and a myriad of other excruciating decisions. Christina caught a glimpse of these things in a way that touched her heart -- but I will let her tell you about that.

Christina has a profound understanding of the significance of abortion in our society because of something that happened before she was born.

I had experienced a troubled pregnancy. She was my first and I was 36 years old. I had gestational diabetes. When she was only a couple of months in the womb, I began bleeding and my doctor thought I was loosing her. However, the bleeding stopped and the pregnancy continued. At about four months, the doctor called Mike and I into her office. She informed us that the results of an earlier test had been overlooked and apparently a significant hormone was inadequate in my blood--indicating that there may be a serious problem with the baby. She wanted to send me for additional testing -- which she warned us could add additional risk to my ability to carry the baby full term. When asked why we should take the test-- could it help the baby?-- the answer was, "No, but it is already pretty far along to terminate the pregnancy and you need to know right away what you are dealing with."

There was no hesitation. We would not take the test.

The doctor warned us that our baby could be born without an arm or leg -- or with multiple birth defects. We were steadfast in our refusal. This was our baby --a gift from God. We would not risk losing her.

The doctor insisted that we sign a document releasing her from liability in the event our baby was born deformed or otherwise "abnormal."

I would say that Christina is grateful that her parents are strongly pro-life!

Sincerely,

Linda Settles

It is a blessing to me to hear that my poem has touched others. I believe that this poem was inspired by many things. First and foremost, I believe that God gave me the words to this poem.

The morning that I wrote my poem, we had passed by a church with hundreds of small white crosses in its yard, signifying the death of the many unborn babies that die every year. I felt great sorrow for the babies, compassion for the mothers -- and for God -- indignance for the doctors' callousness and awe at God's great care and precision in forming another human life. I simply poured this mix of emotions into the words of my poem. I hope and pray that God will use this poem as He pleases.

From my heart to yours,

Christina Settles

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