Determined to be sure, she made an appointment with her doctor. As she lay on the examination table, the rhythmic sound of a heartbeat echoed through the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you hear that, Barbara?\u201d Dr. Carter asked with a smile.<\/p>\n
Barbara swallowed hard. \u201cThe heartbeat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Carter chuckled. \u201cHeartbeats, Barbara. You\u2019re having twins.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barbara\u2019s entire world shifted in that instant. Shock flooded her veins as she stared at the ultrasound monitor. She was already a mother and a grandmother\u2014this wasn\u2019t part of the plan.<\/p>\n
Can we\u2026 can we terminate the pregnancy?\u201d she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n
The doctor\u2019s face fell. \u201cBarbara, I need to be honest with you. Your reports are concerning. There are inconsistencies that suggest you\u2019re at high risk for complications. If we attempt to terminate now, we\u2019d be endangering your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barbara felt tears sting her eyes. She had never imagined she\u2019d be in this position. How could she explain this to her daughter, Melanie? And worse\u2014how could she raise two infants at this stage in her life?<\/p>\n