You’re staring at the test. Two pink lines. A positive result.
And your thoughts immediately begin to bombard you.
“How can this be happening?”
“I can’t afford another baby.”
“I’m barely holding it together as it is.”
If those thoughts sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many women have stood exactly where you are right now — pregnant and overwhelmed, wondering how this is going to work. Maybe your financial situation is tight. Maybe you’re already caring for little ones and can’t imagine adding one more. Maybe you don’t have much support from your partner or family, and you feel like the weight of the world was just dropped on your shoulders.
Whatever your circumstances, take a deep breath. You are not alone, and this moment does not define your future. There is real help available — not just temporary relief, but compassionate, ongoing support for you and your baby.
We’re not trying to minimize your fears. They’re real. But we’re here to remind you of something equally real:
Hope.
Even in the most overwhelming moments, there are people who will walk beside you, resources that can lighten your load, and a future that’s brighter than you can even imagine now.
Facing the Fear: “I Can’t Afford Another Baby”
Financial worry is a common reason women consider abortion. That’s understandable — babies come with expenses, and if you’re already stretched thin, the thought of another child can feel impossible.
You might be thinking:
- “I can barely pay rent.”
- “Childcare costs are crushing.”
- “I don’t have insurance.”
“Diapers, formula, medical bills — I just can’t do it again.”
Those fears make sense. But what’s often overlooked is how much help is out there — help that can make a real, practical difference. There are multiple organizations right here in Southwest Missouri that are ready and willing to help you make ends meet, and that includes us here at PLL Women’s Resource Center.
We aren’t here to judge or lecture you. We’re here to walk with you — to meet you where you are and provide the tools, resources, and encouragement you need to move forward confidently.
What Help Really Looks Like
It’s one thing to hear “resources are available,” but what does that actually mean? Here are just some of the ways we at PLL help our clients:
1. Material Assistance
We offer baby supplies including diapers, wipes, clothing, formula, bottles, pack-n-plays, and even car seats. You can earn points to use in our boutique where you can select the items you want or need the most.
2. Financial & Housing Support
If you’re struggling to make ends meet, there are programs designed to help with rent, utilities, transportation, and medical costs. We will gladly help you connect with programs like this.
3. Medical Care
Here at PLL, we provide free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and some STI testing and treatment. We can help connect you to resources for your prenatal care, as well.
4. Education & Job Preparation
Looking to learn more about parenting and childhood development? We’ve got classes for that, and we even have babysitters who will come in and hang out with your littles so you can enjoy class without distractions. Need to use our computer lab to create a resume or fill out applications? We can help with that, as well! Empowering you to be stable and independent is part of what we do here at PLL.
5. Emotional Support
Having someone to talk to makes a huge difference. You’ll find compassionate counselors and mentors here where you can be honest about your fears without being judged. You’ll discover you’re not alone — other women have walked the same road, and they’re eager to offer encouragement to you.
6. Long-Term Community
The best part? The support doesn’t stop after birth. We’re here for your journey long after your baby arrives. You’re not just getting a few diapers; you’re gaining a community that believes in you and your future.
7. Adoption Options
If the thought of raising another baby is still overwhelming, you can also explore adoption options. There are many loving couples who are eager to welcome a child into their family. At PLL, we can help connect you to the resources and support to place your baby with an adoptive family.
The Truth About Feeling Overwhelmed
Beyond financial fears, there’s another reality many women face: feeling emotionally or mentally overwhelmed.
Maybe your home is already full of kids, and your energy is running on empty. Maybe you’re facing postpartum depression from a previous birth. Maybe your relationship is rocky, or you’re parenting alone.
When you’re already stretched so thin, the idea of adding another baby can feel like too much to bear. It’s easy to believe that ending the pregnancy is the only way to catch your breath again.
But here’s what’s equally true: abortion doesn’t erase your struggles.
Choosing life doesn’t mean pretending the hard things aren’t hard. It means giving yourself the chance to heal, to find help, and to see that you are capable of more than you think — especially when you have a community around you.
You Were Never Meant to Do This Alone
One of the biggest lies women face today is that they have to “figure it out” alone — that strength means independence. But true strength often looks like reaching out for help and letting others stand beside you. After all, having a great support system is good for us! [1]
There are people ready to do exactly that. Here at PLL, we are willing and eager to stand in your corner as you figure out what’s best for your situation. We are here because we care, and we believe in you – even when you’re struggling to believe in yourself.
When you come into PLL, you won’t find judgment. You’ll find warmth. You’ll find someone who will listen to your story with compassion and help you sort through the chaos of your situation. You’ll walk out not just with information, but with hope.
Real Stories, Real Hope
We have a collection of stories from clients on our YouTube channel where you can hear about real life experiences others have had with PLL.
What You Can Do Today
If you’re reading this and feel paralyzed by fear, here are a few simple steps to take right now:
- Reach Out for Help.
You can schedule a free appointment from our website, or you can text us at 417-593-1882. - Tell Someone You Trust.
Share your feelings with a friend or family member who will support you with compassion. You don’t have to face this in silence. - Take It One Step at a Time.
You don’t need to solve everything today. Just take the next step — make that phone call, schedule that appointment, accept that help. - Remind Yourself: You Are Capable. You’ve faced hard things before and made it through. This is no different. With the right support, you can do this, too.
You Have a Whole Community Behind You
Whether you realize it or not, there’s a network of people who have dedicated their lives to making sure no woman faces pregnancy alone. They do it because they believe in you.
PLL is part of that network. We believe that motherhood isn’t a burden to bear alone — it’s a calling that flourishes with community. And when that community surrounds you, fear begins to fade.
We want to help you rise above your circumstances so you can see that even in your weakness, you are strong.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Defined by Fear
It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Those emotions don’t make you weak — they make you human.
But don’t let fear be the loudest voice in your story. Let hope have the final word.
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided here is only for general understanding. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sources:
1. Mayo Clinic Minute: The Benefits of Being Socially Connected. Mayo Clinic. (2019, April1) https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-the-benefits-of-being-socially-connected/#:~:text=Socializing%20is%20good,Dr.%20Sawchuk%20says.