Why I give: The pressures as a prolife ObGyn

As a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology for 37 years, I have a first-hand view of the impact of abortion on women’s health. From the very beginning, I’ve had to take a stance that impacted my career.

I graduated from medical school in 1980, a few years after Roe V. Wade legalized abortion in the U.S. Throughout my college years, young men and women were immediately divided. As a Christian, my view on the subject was clear. There was no choice but pro-life. My studies in basic biology and embryology in medicine further enhanced and confirmed my belief that the miracle of life begins at conception.

My first serious challenge to my beliefs came at the time of choosing a residency position for training. I was courted by a well-respected program. To my dismay, I was expected to perform abortions in both the first and second trimesters. That means I would be performing abortions up to 26 weeks after conception. The hospital had a ward just for the second trimester terminations. There was no question in my mind that the program was not for me. But walking away would be a big sacrifice. As a Hispanic female, they courted me with a generous salary. As an immigrant who grew up in a blue-collar family, people would say I was crazy to turn this down. But I couldn’t do it. I explained to the program why I could not participate. I was told that my stance would never allow me to be truly successful in this field.

I am happy to tell you, that has not been the case. I have, however, been challenged and attacked for my views. The argument presented is that if we are against abortion, we are against women. In fact, the opposite is actually the case. I am definitely pro woman, in her entirety. Throughout my career, I have seen the effects of abortion on those women who have had one. The regret and inability to forget that action has often led to depression and unhappiness. Although the “benefits” are always publicized, the problems associated with surgical and medical terminations are downplayed by abortion advocates to the detriment of women.

I have been asked many times if I am afraid of outwardly stating my belief. I have been afraid, however, my personal conviction AND my medical training have both taught me that I must speak the truth. It took courage for me to testify in Austin to add medical regulations to abortion clinics in 2017 under House Bill 2. We need your prayers so that we do not cower.

For the past 11 years, my husband and I have financially supported Thrive because those of us in the health profession need a strong pro-life voice in our culture. We need Thrive to speak truth to women who may not be hearing that voice from their own OBGYNs. I know Thrive is making a difference on the frontlines. Will you join me in supporting Thrive Women’s Clinic?