Suzy Mack was excited to learn she was expecting her first child. When her baby’s amniotic sac broke at 17 weeks, her world was shattered. Diagnosed with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM), which occurs prior to 37 weeks gestation, Mack was advised to end her pregnancy for her safety.
Mack told Live Action News, “I was told there was no chance of having a healthy pregnancy, given the baby was under the age of viability, but despite the risks, we decided to rely on our faith. I talked to my parents and my husband’s parents, and we prayed about it. I felt at peace with our decision to continue the pregnancy.”
Refusal to abort leads to a determination to save her baby
Despite her refusal to abort, doctors told her the pregnancy was over and that she should try again later. Mack knew the dangers that could occur when the amniotic sac breaks at such an early stage of pregnancy, but still made the choice to continue her pregnancy in the hope her baby could have a chance at life.
“The medical community essentially told me they could save my life but not my baby’s life and that in 10 weeks I would no longer be pregnant,” Mack said. “In the meantime, I could get sepsis, lose my womb and even my life. I knew those were the potential consequences.”
She learned there wasn’t much data on women with PPROM because most choose to end their pregnancies. When she posted about her dire situation on social media, she saw many comments from women who stated they wouldn’t be as brave as she was. It was a heartbreaking time, and she became angry when a doctor told her that her baby, if he survived, would have disabilities and a poor quality of life.
Mack said, “I had friends who had children with disabilities. You can’t tell me my baby’s life isn’t important.”
As such, she became more determined to prove the doctor wrong.
“I already loved my baby and wanted to save him,” she said.
She did some research and discovered the U.K.-based PPROM Foundation which allowed her to connect with women who were given the same prognosis. While their children appeared to be doing well, none of them experienced an amniotic sac rupture as early as 17 weeks.
Mack said, “There are better outcomes when the sac breaks closer to term.”
READ: Doctors said she was having a miscarriage – and she didn’t know she was pregnant
Faith, family, and community support provided strength
But there was a silver lining for Mack. She was fortunate to find a Christian obstetrician who balanced faith with medical science and was willing to examine Mack every two days, despite the uncertainty of her situation. Additionally, Mack had the unwavering support of family and community.
“It was heartwarming when my five-year-old stepson told me his baby brother was going to be okay,” Mack said. “He even predicted he would have blue eyes like him.”
When her pregnancy progressed to 23 weeks, her baby was considered viable, and she was then was admitted to UCLA Hospital where she remained for five weeks.
Mack said, “It was a very intense time. You’re treated as if you’re going into labor, given steroids, an I.V., and monitored around the clock. I got to listen to my baby’s heartbeat every four hours.”
But the medical staff wanted to prepare Mack for the worst-case scenario.
“They discussed all the possibilities of a bad outcome and asked me if I would want my baby to be resuscitated,” Mack said. “They told me my baby could die in my arms. This was so distressing to me that my husband stepped in and said that we wanted to do everything possible to save our baby.”
Despite the difficult conversations, Mack enjoyed excellent care while in the hospital. She often felt the presence of God through the people who attended to her, confirming that she had made the right decision. When she grappled with self-pity and depression, a chaplain showed up and prayed with her, another sign God was with her.
Mack said, ‘I had great relationships with the nurses who were like angels looking out for me.”
This would serve her well when one day, she sensed something wasn’t right.
“The machines were relaying that everything was normal, but my intuition was telling me something different,” Mack said. “Fortunately, one of the nurses listened to me and got a doctor to examine me. Turns out, I was five centimeters dilated.”
Earlier she had convinced a nurse to disconnect her I.V. so she could take a shower. Now, as she was wheeled into surgery, it was discovered she was without an I.V.
Mack said, “The medical team couldn’t find a vein and I was starting to feel overwhelmed. A woman parted the crowd, hugged me and told me God was with me, and that I was going to be okay. It was exactly what I needed. I knew God had sent her.”
A birth that defied the odds
When her son was born, he came out with his fist in the air, triumphantly entering the world. He stayed in the NICU for 90 days.
Ozzie (Photo: Suzy Mack)
“It was a treacherous time for us,” Mack said. “We didn’t have a guarantee he was going home with us. He was the smallest baby in the NICU. His lungs were underdeveloped. When we took him home, he was on oxygen for four months.”
Doctors told Mack her son, Ozzie, would need oxygen until he was two years old, but once home he thrived. Still, he struggled with lack of flexibility because of having his movements restricted while in the womb and in the NICU.
Mack said, “We prepared our minds for the challenges ahead. It was daunting at first, but he’s grown normally though is still a bit small at two and half years old. He’s in occupational and physical therapy to make sure he’s ready for school. We’re elated with his progress and amazingly, he does have blue eyes.”
She says that even if her son had not survived, she would have no regrets.
“Miracles do happen; I experienced one,” Mack said. “God rewarded me for my faith. I don’t think I could have dealt with the trauma of having an abortion and not doing everything I could to save my son.”
Tell President Trump, RFK, Jr., Elon, and Vivek:
Stop killing America’s future. Defund Planned Parenthood NOW!
