on the blog...
In the 21st century, humanity is bombarded with decisions. With so many booming businesses, options on everyday and luxury items are unlimited! Anything from clothing to food to jewelry to electronics etc. Shopping sprees can be exhilarating. Don’t have time to hit the mall? That’s ok, you can find your product you can dream up thanks to online stores. You would think with all these inventions and innovative ideas to make our lives more productive we would have less problems. Unfortunately new problems have arrived. Pollution is a big one. Environmental advocates constantly raise awareness. A lesser known problem is something known as decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is a cognitive state in which a person hits their limits with decision making. Every decision, no matter how small uses brainpower. According to Psychology Today, people make about 35,000 conscious decision daily! These choices (especially ones involving technology) drain our ability to be present in the moment and reflect on our values. There are so many paths we can take in our day to day life. It is important to ensure we choose ones we are proud of. Humanity is special because each person is created in the image of God. As new options of abortion become more conveniently accessible, we must consider the cost. How can we profit if we attempt to play God?
First Woman with Down Syndrome to Become a Lawyer
What is Down Syndrome? Down Syndrome Awareness: Down Syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality which presents in prenatal care or at birth. Abnormal cognitive development is common, as well as physical health risks.
Ana Victoria Espino is the first lawyer in the world with Down Syndrome; which would make her the first female lawyer with Down Syndrome. Following her passion for disability advocacy, she earned her degree in Zacatecas, Mexico. Even though she was met with opposition from her school’s rector, she held on to her dream with persistence. In a humble manner, she acknowledged and appreciated her support system. One stand out in particular was a professor whom sat with Ana in her classes. Not only did this teacher aid in her academics, but also asserted her ability to keep up with classmates. Ana has already began to use her accomplishments for the greater good. She has developed plans to combat the violence against women in modern day society.
A person’s value is not based on function. God’s Spirit inside of human life and His guiding hand is enough to prove value. It is significant to note in modern day society we have tech which aids in communication. Current jobs are evolving to a more digital focus. Doors of opportunity are flying open thanks to modern day innovation and compassionate people. 1 in 4 adults in the US have a disability-it is likely to occur at some point in one’s life. At first glance, abortion offers sweet relief. An instant elimination of financial, spiritual, and emotional burden to the mother and family. However, no matter what, life is full of hardships and pain. It is crucial to acknowledge the hardships that come with children experience health issues. These situations can rudely interrupt dreams, goals, and aspirations of a mother. “Plans” are altered all the time. For instance, a child may hit their head and acquire a permanent traumatic brain injury. It is a horrible thought, but reality for 2.3 million US children…roughly 2.2 million more than children with Down Syndrome. What makes life special is overcoming obstacles, leaning on friends, trusting the Lord: taking risks and not knowing the outcome. Overcoming in life is echoed in art, poetry, and every great story, like Ana’s.
Citations:
“World’s First Lawyer With Down Syndrome: Ana Victoria.” Executive-Women, 28 July 2026, executive-women.global/worlds-first-lawyer-with-down-syndrome-ana-victorias-historic-journey-to-legal-justice/.
Sienra, Regina. “Meet Ana Victoria Espino, the World’s First Lawyer with down Syndrome.” My Modern Met, 10 Oct. 2024, mymodernmet.com/ana-victoria-espino-lawyer-with-down-syndrome/.
The loud pro-choice argument: my body, my choice! But what if it is someone else’s body, but your child? A couple in California were eagerly expecting a newborn from a surrogate mother. The developing child, Gabriel, was found with a rare congenital heart condition “Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome”. Infants with the condition struggle with low oxygen levels, insufficient blood flow, physical limitations, and potential organ impairments. Biological parents sought termination of pregnancy. McKenna West, the surrogate mother, felt convicted by that choice. Even though the child is not legally hers, she experiences the physical and mental stressors of pregnancy. Her body and daily life was impacted for a period of time. She fled from Alaska to Texas where the right to life is strictly protected. Furthermore, she expressed mortification over the notion of aborting a child with a disability, especially 20 weeks into the pregnancy.
Mckenna’s love for baby Gabe is echoed through her wisdom and bravery. The baby felt real to McKenna. Perhaps the biological parents distance to their child allowed cognitive dissonance to set in. They were blinded to the gift they created and only perceived the obstacles of health issues. Nevertheless, the parents could have opted to give their child up for adoption to a loving home. The child did not inconvenient them by the slightest. Genetics is the only tie they have to Gabriel. True love is sacrificial. Hopefully they are inspired by McKenna’s love of their son.
Citations:
Gervasini, Tessa. “Surrogate Mother Who Refused to Abort Baby Gives Birth amid Ongoing Legal Dispute.” EWTN News, EWTN News, 14 Aug. 2026, www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/surrogate-mother-who-refused-to-abort-baby-gives-birth-amidongoing-legal-dispute
Associated Press. “California Couple’s Surrogate Gives Birth in Texas after Judge Orders Life-Saving Care.” CNN, Cable News Network, 13 Aug. 2026, www.cnn.com/2026/08/13/us/surrogate-texas-birth-surgery-hnk
My Body, My choice…Right?
Healthcare on the Road
Traffic in Los Angeles is a beast. Did you know the average LA driver loses 87 hours of their life per year due to traffic? What?! The city is constantly expanding with new business and residents driving in from all over. The experience is daunting for most. 66 percent (%) of Americans experience some amount of driving anxiety. This number increases in areas with dense traffic. Driving anxiety and transportation difficulty is an overlooked obstacle to healthcare. Medical facilities that accept a particular insurance may not be local. Thankfully, Claris Health is tackling this issue with their Los Angeles Mobile Health Clinic. Essentially, healthcare on the road. The van contains professional medical equipment such as ultrasound tech, pregnancy testing, and STI testing. Every patient served on the van is provided with education and resources for pregnancy assistance, and next steps for STI results. There goal is to provide maximum amount of care for their patients that exceeds medical services. Caring for the individual as a whole. Insuring families are supported. Claris offers parenting classes and reproductive education as well.
Mobile health clinics offer opportunities to underprivileged communities. Many babies have a chance of life because of this service. Additionally, families feel supported by medical professionals.
Citation:
McKenna, Alexa. “Mobile Health Clinic: Free Care in Underserved Communities.” Claris Health - Claris Health: Los Angeles Pregnancy Help, 22 June 2026, www.clarishealth.org/services/mobile-health-clinic-in-los-angeles-bringing-free-care-to-underserved-communities/
“Commuting by Workers Los Angeles County.” Commuter Numbers and Times in Los Angeles County, California, www.laalmanac.com/employment/em22.php. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.
New Adoption Paths
Adoption can feel ambiguous and mysterious. What are the legal steps? Where will my child ultimately end up? So many valid questions. In stressful situations such as unplanned pregnancy or prenatal health complications, it is normal for women to react emotionally. Thankfully, there is now an adoption path offering decision autonomy for the biological mother. She can now choose what parent she wants to raise her child. Additionally, she also has freedom to determine how much contact she desires with them. There are many adoption agencies around the country willing to counsel and guide young mothers towards a satisfactory choice. With an adoption agency, a pregnant woman is able to learn about how aspiring parents are interested in adopting children with special needs. People often assume couples are unwilling to adopt special needs children, but that is not the case. Special needs adoptions have risen in the past two decades. One couple in particular, the Rooneys from Minnesota, adopted 5 young children with extreme health conditions. God appoints faithful people to steward those who are suffering. Love overcomes any and all fears of challenging situations.
Vice President Heather Featherston of Lifetime Adoption agency in Florida stresses the need for healthcare professional to be informed about the flexible options regarding adoption. Informed decision making leads to better mental health outcomes and less stress on limited government resources.
Citation:
Klemond, Susan. “Modern Adoption: The Overlooked pro-Life Option.” NCR, 7 Feb. 2025, www.ncregister.com/news/adoption-empowers-birth-parents.
A Close Call
Sarah Hurm was pregnant at 26 years old with her fourth child. Even though she was an experienced mother, the father of her fourth child belittled her and shamed her for conceiving children with more than one man. She contacted a medical facility inquiring about abortion and was denied counseling because it “wasn’t available”. Counseling and informing a patient is critical for any procedure or introduction of a medication. On top of that, when Sarah eventually had an ultrasound, the tech said “you are lucky the heartbeat bill hasn’t passed”. A chilling sentence. The infant inside her was healthy. Scared and vulnerable, she proceeded with the abortion pill. Instantly, she experienced regret. Thankfully, she thought to investigate and reach out to abortion pill reversal hotline. After medical intervention, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy in January of 2019.
Sarah emphasized her relationship with the abortion clinic feeling transactional. When she attempted to save her son, she was met with loving care and emotional support. She asserts life is a gift and worth fighting for. Today she works at a pregnancy clinic to help women and tell her story.
Citations:
Campisi, Tom. “From Regret to Reversal: A Mother’s Story of Abundant Life and Hope.” Care Net, 17 Feb. 2026, care-net.org/abundant-life-blog/from-regret-to-reversal/.
Feed, Published by CV News. “Sarah Hurm Gives Testimony at March for Life, Encourages Attendees to Be ‘living Proof’ That Life Is a Gift.” CatholicVote Org, 26 Jan. 2026, catholicvote.org/sarah-hurm-gives-testimony-at-march-for-life-encourages-attendees-to-be-living-proof-that-life-is-a-gift/.