In March, the Abortion Pill Rescue Network (APRN) reported a record number of calls for abortion pill reversals. The network—a group of more than 800 medical providers run by Heartbeat International—said that as a result of connecting callers with local medical providers, 105 mothers started the process of halting their chemical abortions within the month.

To date, Heartbeat International says that the hotline has helped save more than 1,100 babies from in-progress chemical abortions.

A chemical abortion—often referred to as the abortion pill—actually involves two drugs: mifepristone, a drug that blocks progesterone and gradually deprives the baby of oxygen and nutrients; and misoprostol, which triggers contractions, forcing the woman’s body to give birth prematurely.

Through APRN, women who change their mind after taking the first drug are able to connect with a doctor to receive supplemental progesterone, which may save the baby’s life and allow the mother to continue with a normal pregnancy (although it is not guaranteed).

“We understand this is a stressful time for many, and some women are starting chemical abortions because that is the only option they can see,” Andrea Trudden, director of communications for Heartbeat International, told Live Action News. “[But many of the calls the hotline receives are] from the abortion facility parking lot or from the car on the drive home because the regret is immediate.”

Trudden said that through March, the hotline saw 80% of its callers start the reversal process.

Ashley Padilla’s son Gavin is alive today due to the help she received through the rescue network.

In February 2016, when she was about six weeks pregnant, Padilla went to an abortion facility seeking a chemical abortion.

She already had her hands full with a 4-year-old and 8-year-old from her previous marriage. This pregnancy, a result of another failed relationship, was not what she had planned.

But immediately after taking the first abortion pill, Padilla said that she became convicted and was hit with regret.

She searched the internet for “abortion regret” and came upon APRN. The network referred her to a local physician, and roughly 12 hours after she had taken the first abortion pill, she began progesterone to counteract the chemical abortion.

“I’m just so thankful that I found APRN, and I was able to get help for my little baby,” she said.

Padilla is now studying to be a labor and delivery nurse and hopes to volunteer with APRN once she finishes her education.

“The nurse I had really helped me; [she] prayed with me,” said Padilla. “I just want to do that for someone.”