Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader's Eye-Opening Journey Across the Life Line (23 page)
Authors: Abby Johnson,Cindy Lambert
Tags: #Non-Fiction, #Inspirational, #Biography, #Religion
It isn’t unusual for those women to look ill at ease, and on this day I noticed one woman in particular who looked downright frightened. “Hi,” I called to her, as the Planned Parenthood volunteer who’d met her at her car cast an unfriendly look my way. “My name is Abby Johnson and I used to be the director of this clinic—that’s right, the Planned Parenthood clinic you’re heading into right now.”
The woman looked at me with confusion.
“I’d just like you to know that there are lots of options available to you right now. Abortion isn’t the only one. And at the Coalition for Life office right down the street, we’d be happy to sit with you and help you sort through all those options and how they might affect you. No charge! I hope you have a wonderful day!”
They had arrived at the front door of the clinic by that time, and the troubled woman looked back at me over her shoulder as the escort ushered her through the door. The door shut behind them.
I continued to pray, this time praying specifically for that woman, for her clarity of mind, for the words I’d spoken to bear fruit in her.
Fifteen minutes later she walked back out, still looking troubled. She exited the fence, looked around, spotted me, and walked toward me with purpose, crossing through the gate to my side of the fence. “You were the director here at Planned Parenthood?”
I nodded.
“And now you’re working with this other group outside the fence?”
I nodded and smiled. It did seem like a strange journey, didn’t it?
“Can we go back to your office?” she asked. “I’d like to hear both sides.”
I laughed and put my arm around her shoulder, turning her toward Coalition for Life. “Both sides I can handle. I’ve seen them both.”
As we walked, I asked her, “So what’s your situation?”
“Well, I went for a checkup. They told me I’m eighteen weeks pregnant.”
“Is that what they gave you?” I asked, pointing to the brochure in her hand. I recognized it as a flyer from the National Abortion Federation. On the front was a sticky note with their 1-800 hotline, which refers callers to clinics that do late-term abortions.
“Yes.” She looked down.
“Is that what you are going to do?” I asked her gently.
“I already have six children,” she answered. “How can I have another baby?”
I smiled. “You just called this newest child a baby, so I can see you already know you’re his or her mother.”
She smiled in acknowledgment.
“We can help you,” I told her. By now we’d arrived at the Coalition for Life house. I invited her into the same room where I’d been invited. One of our counselors joined us, and within thirty minutes she was connected to a clinic offering a free ultrasound and prenatal and birthing care; a source of free diapers for a year; coupons for food for herself and her children; and a group that would provide her with a free car seat and furniture for the baby.
“I’ll walk you back to your car,” I offered, and we strolled back to the Planned Parenthood clinic, where we hugged before she climbed into her car and waved good-bye.
Another car pulled into the lot, and a new Planned Parenthood volunteer escort, one I hadn’t seen before, stepped out of the clinic to greet the client.
“Hi,” I called. “I’m Abby. I just want you to know we are here to help in any way we can.”
The Planned Parenthood escort looked at me quizzically, and I smiled back.
I wonder what her story is, and what God is going to do in her life.
Acknowledgments
There are so many people I need to thank. I could write a book on how many people have helped me through this journey. I want to start off by thanking my parents. You are responsible for this. Sometimes “this” may not be something you want to take credit for, but in this case, I hope I have made you proud.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering strength of my husband, Doug. Every girl dreams of “having it all.” I know that I have found that in you. You are definitely the most patient man in the world; I know that has been tested while married to me! But I am so thankful that you continue to be patient with me. Where I fail, you exceed by leaps and bounds. Thank you for always helping me keep our family close to my heart even when I am away. Also, thank you to Doug’s best friends, Daniel and Ben. It is always good to have people to help us keep our sanity. You have been such an encouragement to Doug and to me.
Shawn, there are really no words to express my gratitude to you and your family. During the most difficult time in my life, you were my rock—always steady handed, always there to make me laugh. It makes me chuckle to think that we were once opposed to each other. It feels like we have been partners in this movement for a lifetime. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both of us.
I guess I could thank David for this whole 40 Days for Life movement, but even that wouldn’t be enough. David, your mentorship and friendship mean more than I can express. You took me into your “family” when I felt so lost and deserted and helped me feel like I belonged again. Your encouragement and support have been some of the greatest gifts I have received. Your whole family is such a blessing to me and my family.
I, of course, have to thank everyone involved with the Brazos Valley Coalition for Life. Without all of you, I wouldn’t be here today. It is your faithfulness, your perseverance that help women face the truth of abortion every day. I especially want to thank Bobby, Heather, and Karen. You guys supported me and listened to me when I thought my world was falling apart. You have been on this ride with me and have experienced all the ups and downs. You have prayed with me, you have cried with me, you have laughed with me. You are not just my friends, you are my heroes. I thank God every day that He put you in my life.
Marcel and Heather, you have been my spiritual gurus! You guys have kept me focused on Christ and His will for my life. You have kept me grounded, and you continue to help me draw closer and closer to Him every day. Thank you so much for all of your guidance.
Even though I lost many friends throughout this journey, some remained. Also, many more were gained. Three “old” friends who have always stuck by me deserve a
big
thanks. Michelle, Amy, and Gabe, you know all of the ugly and bad about me but you love me anyway. That is real friendship. You have been there for me during the darkest and brightest times of my life. I can never repay you for your endless support, but I will spend every day trying my best. I love you guys so much. And to one of my “new” friends, Claire. I am so thankful that God has brought you into my life. You have shown me the power of redemption and forgiveness through your life. Your friendship is one of the greatest blessings I have received.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give a thank-you to my “friend from the fence,” Elizabeth. One of the coolest moments of the past year for me was celebrating your birthday with you. I just had to stand there for a moment to really take in the enormity of that event. You, the sidewalk counselor who befriended me several years ago, and me, the former Planned Parenthood worker, celebrating your birth together. You are a treasure to me. Your friendship, your advice, your jokes, everything . . . all are priceless. You are my angel on earth.
Jeff, I can’t think of anyone who could have better represented me in court against Planned Parenthood. It’s funny to say it, but I think we actually had a good time! You and Shawn did such an amazing job of protecting me during that time. I felt so vulnerable, but you were always so confident. Sorry about
O’Reilly
! Maybe next time!
To the folks at Ambassador Agency, Gloria, Wes, Emily, and Maria. You are my natural stress relievers. You keep my head on straight. I couldn’t do any of this without you; and I don’t just mean the planning, but also your friendship and guidance. I couldn’t work with a better team . . . everyone should be so lucky.
I may be biased, but I believe I have the very best family in the whole world. Thank you all for always supporting me and loving me throughout my life. Also, thanks to Doug’s family. Thank you for allowing him to marry a kooky liberal. I think I finally have my act together! I love you all so very much!
Cindy, my incredible literary partner. How could I have gotten through this process without you? Clearly, our partnership was one initiated by God. No one else could have told this story in a more powerful and truthful way. You captured my voice in every sentence. You are such a blessing to me. I look forward to working with you many more times in the future.
Last but definitely not least, I want to thank my former coworkers from Planned Parenthood. Even though many of our lives have gone in different directions, I value the relationships that we established for so many years. So many of you helped shape who I am today. I appreciate all of you and treasure the many wonderful memories we shared together. I pray that one day I will be able to reconnect with some of you. You all mean so much to me and are still a huge part of my life and my heart. I hope that one day we will be standing together again, but this time on this side of the “fence.”
