When Dahlia found out she was pregnant, her heart sank.
She was already a wife and the mother of three children, one with special needs. Her days were filled with working full-time, therapies, school schedules, and just trying to keep everything afloat. This pregnancy was unplanned—and it came with a frightening complication: Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a debilitating condition that causes relentless nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion. Dahlia was already struggling to stay hydrated and needed regular infusions just to function. Her family could not afford to stop working.
She had every reason to feel overwhelmed—and she did.
Dahlia spoke to her Rabbi and received halachic permission to terminate the pregnancy when she was under 40 days and have an abortion. But deep inside, she hesitated. While abortion might have seemed like the easier path in that moment, she knew it could also bring a lifetime of grief and regret.
Still, the reality was brutal: How could she possibly get through this pregnancy and care for her family?
“What Would You Need?”
That’s the question the SHIFRA team asked Dahlia when she reached out.
Not why she didn’t want the baby. Not what’s wrong. Just: What do you need?
Dahlia explained that during her past pregnancies with HG, she had no strength to function—she could barely move, eat, or care for herself. The idea of managing her household during another HG pregnancy, especially with a special needs child, felt impossible.
SHIFRA stepped in with a major financial grant, specifically to help cover after-school care for her children. This included structured support for her child with special needs, ensuring they received the attention and care they needed—while Dahlia focused on surviving the pregnancy.
Specialized Support for HG
Dahlia’s case opened a new door.
Since then, SHIFRA has partnered with Shifrah Cares an organization that specializes in supporting women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. While Shifrah primarily assists women with wanted pregnancies complicated by HG, SHIFRA supports women who are at a crossroads—unsure if they can continue due to the emotional, physical, or financial strain.
Together, the two organizations now form a vital safety net for women who may feel they have no choice but to terminate because of extreme pregnancy conditions like HG.
A Happy Ending—and a Family in Awe
With help from SHIFRA, Dahlia made it through. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl, and today, her entire family is in love. “There are no words that are adequate to say thank you. SHIFRA’s emotional and financial support were essential to be able to proceed with our pregnancy. SHIFRA allowed us to keep our family afloat in an incredibly challenging situation. Thank Gd we now adore our baby girl!”
Support Makes the Difference
Dahlia’s story is a powerful reminder that many women considering abortion are not doing so because they want to—but because they feel they have no other choice.
At SHIFRA, we ask a different question:
“What would it take to help you feel supported enough to continue?”
Then we listen. We show up. And we help.
Through personalized grants, counseling, and practical services, we walk with women through their toughest moments—offering more than advice. We offer real help.
Are you—or someone you know—facing an impossible pregnancy decision?
You’re not alone. Let’s talk.
