Family Planning Associates, Miramar Road, San Diego, Saturday, April 24, 2010
News from the Trenches
There were 19 prayer warriors by the end of the morning, including four children, plus three sidewalk counselors. It was a busy day, with at least 18 to 20 women entering the abortion center.
Roger stopped one of the first cars to enter the parking lot before 7:30 am. A Hispanic woman around 40 years old was driving her teenage daughter, who looked to be about 14 or 15. When Roger asked if they were going to Family Planning Associates, the girl's mother said no, but politely listened as Roger told them about the doctor's history of litigation and probation. As he continued explaining the risks of an abortion, the daughter leaned forward with a worried look on her face, paying close attention. As soon as Roger showed them a picture of a 6-week-old pre-born baby, the girl's mother quickly grabbed the picture and turned it over so her daughter could not see it. At this point, she began slowly rolling the car forward while Roger continued talking, and he handed them a card to COLFS with instructions to call. The mother gave a forced smile while thanking Roger, as she drove in. Surprisingly, when Roger turned back a few moments later to see where they parked, the car had already left the parking lot via another exit.
Terry intercepted several couples going to FPA, entering through the main driveway. One woman, "S," appeared visibly pregnant. Showing her what a 6-week-old pre-born baby looks like, "S" exclaimed how shocked she was, and that she had no idea. Terry explained to her how far along a 6-week-old pre-born baby has developed, and what an abortion at this stage would be. Terry let her know all the alternatives available and why going through with the abortion would be not be the solution to any problem, but the beginning of changing how she felt about herself for the rest of her life. After giving her information on COLFS, Terry asked her to phone them so she could speak to a competent doctor before she made an irreversible decision, one she would regret. "S" said she would, and drove into the parking lot. Terry observed her phoning someone while she and her boyfriend sat in the car for about fifteen minutes. Sadly, "S" eventually opened her door, and with her cell phone in hand, walked toward the mill and went in.
Another couple was fighting the entire time as they walked around the parking lot. Terry alerted the prayer warriors of the life and death spiritual battle occurring before her eyes. It appeared the young man was trying to persuade his young girlfriend to go into the mill. Several times, she walked away -- waving him away -- and then he would walk up to her and put his arms around her and walk towards the mill. This went on for about ten minutes. Terry beckoned her over several times. Each time, the young man would hug her while walking her toward the mill. Finally, Anne walked up and spoke with them for several minutes, but they eventually went into the mill.
Roger spoke with a Hispanic couple who had a friend or relative in the back seat, along with several children. The couple in the front seat said their friend needed an abortion for medical reasons, and because she had been on drugs. Roger gave them a card to COLFS and told them they should definitely call for an appointment to get a second opinion. They listened for a while, then drove in and parked for several minutes before walking upstairs to the mill.
Roger later stopped a car with Baja license plates. He spoke with the Hispanic couple in their early 20s, who were married, and they said the reason for the abortion was financial, as well as having other reasons for not being ready. Roger told them they would probably not stay together as a couple if they went through with the abortion. They listened carefully as he told them how important their son or daughter would be to them, and that they could not take back the abortion once the trigger is pulled. After some more discussion, they entered the parking lot and parked for about 5 minutes. Sadly, they walked upstairs and entered the mill.
