Experience ( March 2026 )

Title: When the Pill felt like a Knife

Intro

Aleesha Wilson shares how a baby was saved from abortion through the efforts and prayers of a pro-life doctor.

Highlight

To those praying for the gift of a child, God’s timing is perfect. The Lord who blessed Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Elkanah and Hannah is mighty enough to bless you in His perfect time. Continue thanking Him, even in waiting, for giving you the deep desire to become parents and for shaping you into holy parents.

Article

God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. I give you dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves on the earth’ (Genesis 1:28).

This beautiful verse from the Book of Genesis shows God blessing our first parents with the gift of children and entrusting them with stewardship over all creation. All they had to do was say Amen to receive this divine gift with faith and gratitude.

Yet, in today’s world, we encounter many conflicting attitudes toward this gift of life. On one side, there are families who joyfully welcome children, trusting completely in God’s providence and selflessly embracing the responsibility of raising them. On the other, we see a growing resistance to life, where abortion is justified under arguments such as ‘my life, my choice,’ career concerns, social pressure, or even labelling it as accidental.

Amidst this reality, there are courageous men and women who boldly stand for life, raising their voices against the injustice done to unborn children. Many selflessly support expectant families – emotionally, spiritually, and materially – helping them choose life without counting the cost.

Listening to Dr Reju Varghese Kallely, a paediatrician by profession, was deeply touching and inspiring. An active pro-lifer since 1998, Dr Reju was strongly influenced by Pope St John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), which powerfully reaffirms the value and inviolability of every human life and appeals to all people to respect, protect, love, and serve life. Further strengthened by the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other Church teachings, he developed a profound conviction to defend life from the moment of conception.

One experience he recently shared led to many deep realisations – especially about learning to say no to worldly thinking and yes to God. Though saying yes is often difficult, the transformation it brings far surpasses the struggles endured.

One day, Dr Reju received a call from a pregnant mother who, along with her husband, was part of a large-family WhatsApp group where she regularly read his messages. She revealed that this was her sixth pregnancy, and she was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, particularly about what others would think and the upbringing of their kids. Her first four deliveries were normal, while the fifth was a Caesarean. They had already approached three government hospitals seeking an abortion, but doctors refused due to high-risk factors.

Dr Reju gently consoled her, assuring her that there would be many people to support them and that they need not fear the future. His wife, Dr Sonia Joseph, also a paediatrician, spoke with her and offered encouragement. Prayer support was immediately requested from several pro-life WhatsApp groups.

A few days later, the lady informed them that she had been admitted to a government medical college for abortion. Dr Reju then spoke to her husband, offering prayers and support, urging him to return home, meet their parish priest, make a good confession, and seek a blessing. Though Dr Reju even sent him financial assistance, the husband returned the money and asked not to be contacted again.

Without losing hope, Dr Reju requested several priests to offer Holy Masses and pray fervently for the unborn child and the family. By God’s grace, the very next afternoon, the husband unexpectedly called back. He said that the doctor had handed him an abortion pill to give to his wife. Holding the pill, he felt as though he were holding a knife. In distress, he called and asked Dr Reju for advice.

Dr Reju immediately advised him to refuse the pill, get discharged, and return home. The following day, the couple left the hospital and went home. Soon after, they met Dr Finto, another pro-life doctor, who reassured them and promised full support. The couple later attended a retreat for pregnant women and their husbands. Today, they are joyfully continuing the pregnancy.

All Glory to God! Those who trust in His providence will never be put to shame.

This testimony powerfully shatters worldly conventions. The world may ridicule or question us, but the Lord stands with open arms, offering the most precious gift – life itself. He longs for us to receive it joyfully and wholeheartedly.

To those who are joyfully expecting, conflicting thoughts may arise, but remember: the God who blessed you with this gift is greater than every fear. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Your journey will be more graceful than you ever imagined!

To those praying for the gift of a child, God’s timing is perfect. The Lord who blessed Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Elkanah and Hannah is mighty enough to bless you in His perfect time. Continue thanking Him, even in waiting, for giving you the deep desire to become parents and for shaping you into holy parents.

To those delaying parenthood solely for career or comfort: life does not always wait for our plans. Seek God’s grace and align your choices with His will.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward… Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them (Psalm 127:3–5).

Dr Reju Varghese Kallely is a paediatrician at Dhanya Mission Hospital, Thrissur, India. His wife, Dr Sonia Joseph, serves as a paediatrician at the Government Taluk Hospital, Thrissur. They are blessed with six children: Maria Alphonsa, John Vianney, Joseph George, Francis Antony, Theresa Maria, and Catherine Maria.

Dr Reju has been active in the Jesus Youth Movement since 1996 and played a key role in establishing a Pro-Life Ministry in 1998. He was part of the Kerala Jesus Youth Pro-Life Central Team in 1998, coordinator of the Marian Pro-Life Movement in the Diocese of Thamarassery, India, and continues as a pro-life resource person and Pre-Cana faculty member since 1998.

Author profile

Aleesha W Karerakkattil works in Christ University, Bangalore, India, as a trainer and support staff in the Centre for Education Beyond Curriculum (CEDBEC). She is married to Job Jose.