Misdialed call connects woman who had scheduled an abortion to pro-life help

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Comments: 10

Members of 40 Days for Life Indianapolis. Credit: 40 Days for Life.

Indianapolis, Ind., Mar 10, 2010 / 06:23 am (CNA).- An Indiana woman who inadvertently dialed a pro-life group instead of a Planned Parenthood clinic about her appointment for an abortion instead found the support she needed to decide to bring her child to term.

The story was recounted in a March 9 report from David Bereit, National Director of 40 Days for Life.

A young woman in Indianapolis, Indiana, named as “Erin,” had sent her children to school and childcare at a friend’s house when she noticed she was late for her abortion appointment at Planned Parenthood.

Though she thought she was calling Planned Parenthood to see if she could still have the abortion, she misdialed the number and instead called the cell phone of 40 Days for Life Indianapolis.

Joseph, the man who answered her call, tried to calm the woman. He took her name and number and said that a counselor would call her back.

The counselor, Elizabeth, called back and begged her not to hang up. She told Erin she had not reached Planned Parenthood and asked if she was a Christian.

When Erin said she was, Elizabeth told her God’s grace was at work in the “wrong number,” 40 Days for Life reports.

Erin explained that desperation had led her to the abortion center. She already had four children and their father was in jail. She had lost her job, her electricity was about to be shut off and she lacked rent money.

Elizabeth spread news about Erin’s situation to other pro-lifers. One volunteer offered to pay her electric bill, while ten others pooled their cash to pay her rent.

A local group is now working with Erin to help her find a job.

“She has a lot of potential,” Eileen said, “but needs support since her mother and sister are still encouraging her to abort the baby.”

Erin has reportedly reacted with “joy and disbelief” at the strangers’ help. She has called Planned Parenthood to cancel her appointment and to request a refund.

“God does work in mysterious ways. There are no coincidences … and in this case, no wrong numbers!” 40 Days for Life director David Bereit said in a statement.

The 40 Days for Life campaign is dedicated to prayerful pro-life witness and advocacy outside abortion clinics. Its website is http://www.40DaysForLife.com.

Comments: 10

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Shelley
North Ogden, UT 03/11/2010 05:35 PM EST

We should all realize that this story would not have happened if the Christians who found out about her situation hadn't immediately reached out to her with money. To be Jesus's hands and feet, it takes paying the electric bill, the rent, and food for the poor and the desperate. That's what really saved this baby's life. How much money would we have given, or would we have simply felt sorry for her but tell her we weren't going to do anything for her?

Published by: Elizabeth
Indianapolis 03/11/2010 12:15 PM EST

Our God is so very awesome ~ the story is even more incredible. I was blessed to talk to Erin. Our original chat ended with her asking me to call back in 5 minutes. I did & she didn't answer. I tried again & it went straight to voicemail & I left a message. Then the Holy Spirit inspired me to text her...which is what we did for an hour while she was inside waiting for her abortion. When she realized I was serious about the help and God had everything she needs ~ she agreed to leave!! PTL!!! Like most women, she was overwhelmed & didn't really want an abortion & wasn't properly 'counseled' at PP. She was sure given a discount, though. Only $215 to kill her baby instead of $400 ~ that's the kind of 'health care' Obama wants to spread. Women need love not abortion. God Bless!

Published by: Beth
Towson, MD 21239 03/10/2010 09:29 PM EST

Driving home from work is when I heard this story and it brought tears to my eyes. This is one of those times that God wanted to make it known that he is a part of everyones daily, day to day life. There is a reason for everything and he new he needed to intercept that phone call. No matter what "Erin" decides to do (keep the child as her own or put he/she up for adoption) the most important decision has already been made...to give the gift of life to the little one God chose to send to her. GLORY BE TO GOD!!!!!!

Published by: Margaret
Baltimore MD USA 03/10/2010 04:33 PM EST

THANK YOU JESUS,MOTHER MARY ,GOD THE FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Published by: Katherine
Davenport, IA 03/10/2010 01:19 PM EST

Wow! Thank you so much to those Christ followers who reached out with love.

Published by: Cate
Erie 03/10/2010 12:15 PM EST

Erin, You did not dial wrong, the Holy Spirit was working with you. Look to your church for assistance. If you don't have one, go to Catholic Charities. If you believe that you are unable to raise this child, there is the choice of adoption. I was adopted and had a good life. Everyday I thank the girl that gave birth to me that she made the decision that I would live. I don't know who she is, but I love her and her boyfriend.

Published by: Mari
Austin/texas 03/10/2010 12:11 PM EST

It brings tear to my eyes. Glory to God!

Published by: Ceec
Ohio 03/10/2010 11:49 AM EST

God can turn ANY THING AROUND!!! In a way ONLY He can !!!! Awesome! 40 days were the hands and feet and body of Christ at work!! Feels good don't it!! God's love and peace be with you all!

Published by: JP
Kansas City 03/10/2010 10:49 AM EST

Just awesome. Way to do His work! :-)

Published by: John
Saginaw/MI/USA 03/10/2010 10:34 AM EST

A wonderful story. May Jesus Christ be praised!

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