Avery MacLean’s Medical Support

The Gift

This subplot follows Avery MacLean’s efforts to give Maribeth Robertson confidential medical care and help her arrange an adoption.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The First Confirmation The First Confirmation from "The Gift". A Doctor Hears Her Secret Private Consultation Maribeth Robertson asks a doctor to confirm her pregnancy without informing her parents.

The First Confirmation from "The Gift". A Doctor Hears Her Secret Private Consultation Maribeth Robertson asks a doctor to confirm her pregnancy without informing her parents.

A Doctor Hears Her Secret Private Consultation Maribeth Robertson asks a doctor to confirm her pregnancy without informing her parents. He identifies how far along she is and asks what she plans to do. Narrow Options He dismisses abortion as dangerous and illegal and proposes adoption instead. His advice reflects the limited and judgmental options available to a pregnant teenager.

A New Doctor in Town A New Doctor in Town from "The Gift". Tommy Arranges an Appointment A Borrowed Address Book Tommy Whittaker secretly obtains the contact details for Avery MacLean.

A New Doctor in Town from "The Gift". Tommy Arranges an Appointment A Borrowed Address Book Tommy Whittaker secretly obtains the contact details for Avery MacLean.

Tommy Arranges an Appointment A Borrowed Address Book Tommy Whittaker secretly obtains the contact details for Avery MacLean. He arranges an appointment for Maribeth under a false married name. Medical Care Begins Maribeth attends because she needs prenatal guidance despite her fear of exposure. The appointment gives her a reliable source of information and care.

Honesty in the Office Honesty in the Office from "The Gift". The Truth Replaces the Cover Story Maribeth Corrects the Record Maribeth Robertson tells Avery MacLean that she is unmarried and five months pregnant.

Honesty in the Office from "The Gift". The Truth Replaces the Cover Story Maribeth Corrects the Record Maribeth Robertson tells Avery MacLean that she is unmarried and five months pregnant.

The Truth Replaces the Cover Story Maribeth Corrects the Record Maribeth Robertson tells Avery MacLean that she is unmarried and five months pregnant. She also explains that Tommy Whittaker is her friend, not the baby’s father. Care Without Condemnation The doctor examines her and explains the baby’s health and the coming months. He treats both teenagers seriously despite their youth and confusion.

Prenatal Guidance Prenatal Guidance from "The Gift". Preparing for Birth Practical Instructions Avery MacLean provides Maribeth Robertson with a book and explains nutrition, rest, and warning signs.

Prenatal Guidance from "The Gift". Preparing for Birth Practical Instructions Avery MacLean provides Maribeth Robertson with a book and explains nutrition, rest, and warning signs.

Preparing for Birth Practical Instructions Avery MacLean provides Maribeth Robertson with a book and explains nutrition, rest, and warning signs. Tommy Whittaker joins the conversations because he is helping her through the pregnancy. An Adoption Search Maribeth asks for help locating suitable adoptive parents. The doctor begins considering families but refuses to rush a consequential placement.

Delivery and Placement Delivery and Placement from "The Gift". Medical Care at the Birth A Difficult Labor Avery MacLean oversees Maribeth Robertson’s delivery after her labor begins at home.

Delivery and Placement from "The Gift". Medical Care at the Birth A Difficult Labor Avery MacLean oversees Maribeth Robertson’s delivery after her labor begins at home.

Medical Care at the Birth A Difficult Labor Avery MacLean oversees Maribeth Robertson’s delivery after her labor begins at home. The baby is turned awkwardly, and forceps are needed before Kate is born. A Family Found The Whittakers adopt Kate after Maribeth’s considered request. The doctor’s care connects prenatal support to a lasting home for the child.

May 1953

Late summer 1953

The first prenatal appointment

Autumn 1953

Christmas 1953