Lizzie’s life in central Indiana began unremarkably, surrounded by a loving family. She and her brother were adopted due to their mother’s battle with severe autoimmune issues. Everything changed in 2002 when Lizzie’s mother passed away, leaving her father and her to navigate life together.
Culturally Christian, Lizzie’s faith deepened in her teenage years. In 2005, she met her future husband, who grew up in an evangelical setting. Their lives revolved around church activities, rigid beliefs about marriage, and parenthood being God’s plan. Marriage in 2008 brought the expectation of becoming a mother.
In 2010, Lizzie experienced her first miscarriage at six weeks. The pain was immense, both physically and emotionally. She was told to see it as God’s plan, but internally she crumbled, grappling with depression and anxiety.
Struggles with Faith and Fertility
Lizzie became consumed with living the ideal Christian life. Infertility treatments and medical procedures left her feeling broken. Six years later, she was pregnant again, but at 19 weeks, devastating news shattered her hopes. Her daughter had severe medical issues and wasn’t expected to survive.
Doctors advised on the decision to terminate the pregnancy. Due to Indiana’s laws, Lizzie had limited time to decide and no resources to terminate out of state. Clinging to hope and faith, they chose to carry on with the pregnancy.
The Weight of Decision
Grief and denial marked her pregnancy, with prayers for a miracle. As the due date neared, Lizzie accepted the inevitable loss, preparing family and friends to celebrate the little time she would have with her daughter. People often didn’t know how to respond, turning away to avoid the harsh reality.
On January 24, 2017, Lizzie gave birth via C-section to Maggie, who only lived for five and a half hours. Though a heartbreaking moment, it was filled with love and precious memories.
Life Beyond Motherhood
Returning to an empty home was a stark reality for Lizzie and her husband. Maggie was cremated, and life trudged on with more hardships and miscarriages. Lizzie eventually stopped trying to conceive, realizing the toll on her health was immense.
Pursuing a master’s degree ushered in a period of self-examination regarding her faith and beliefs. The move to Iowa allowed Lizzie physical and emotional space to rethink everything. She dismantled her evangelical background and ultimately left Christianity.
In her 40s, she embraced a new identity—politically active and advocating for women’s healthcare. This journey raised important questions about past decisions, wondering if different choices could have changed her fate.
Advocating for Compassionate Choices
Despite regrets, Lizzie acknowledges her love for Maggie and her belief in compassionate options like abortion. She recognizes the right of women to make personal medical decisions free from external influences.
Maggie’s presence persists through memories and advocacy for reproductive rights. Lizzie shares her story to support others and stress the importance of choice in the face of loss.
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