In a moving account shared on social media, a couple bravely discussed their painful choice to undergo a late-term abortion. “This is about ending a wanted pregnancy. This is late-term abortion. It was heartbreaking. It was not a choice made lightly, and it was not a form of birth control. The government should not interfere in these deeply personal decisions,” wrote Jessica and Mark Thompson on their blog, echoing sentiments that resonate with many families facing similar circumstances.
Jessica’s emotional revelation came during a tense political debate when she heard a candidate misrepresent late-term abortions as something horrific. “I was overwhelmed with emotions and felt compelled to share our experience to clarify the truth about these situations,” she explained. Her heartfelt post quickly garnered attention, being shared over 100,000 times, as people sought to better understand the complexities surrounding such decisions.
The Thompsons’ Journey
The Thompsons’ journey began when they discovered in an 18-week ultrasound that their baby, whom they named Clara, had a severe and inoperable brain tumor. As they continued monitoring her condition, it became increasingly clear that Clara would not survive to birth. “By 23 weeks, the tumor had grown significantly, invading her head, chest, lungs, and eyes. The prognosis was grim,” Jessica shared.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, only a small fraction of abortions—about 1.3 percent—occur after 21 weeks, often due to dire medical circumstances. Many states have laws restricting abortions after 20 weeks, making these cases rare and often misunderstood. By sharing their experience, the Thompsons hope to shed light on the profound pain and difficult choices families endure during such heartbreaking times.
Clara’s Arrival
Tragically, Clara’s heart stopped beating on March 5, and she was delivered two days later. “It was an indescribable pain, but when we saw her, we were grateful we could hold her and say goodbye,” Jessica recounted. She emphasized that had they waited for a legal window to close, they would have faced unimaginable suffering and complications. Instead, they made a decision that allowed them to alleviate Clara’s suffering and provide a peaceful farewell.
A Call for Understanding
The Thompsons’ story serves as a powerful reminder that such decisions belong to the families involved, highlighting the importance of understanding and compassion. For more insights into pregnancy and family planning, you can explore resources like Make a Mom and Facts About Fertility.
In summary, Jessica and Mark Thompson shared their heart-wrenching experience with late-term abortion to educate others about the complexities and emotional toll of such decisions. By doing so, they aim to foster empathy and understanding for those facing similar situations.