““I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone’s right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life.””
Steps to healing
Recognize that you are not alone. Many have walked before you through this pain and suffering and found healing.
It is normal to mourn the loss of your child. Learn to grieve this loss in a healthy way so that your heart can begin to heal.
Healing takes time and effort. God’s forgiveness can be received immediately, although sorting out your emotions and overcoming the temptation to give in to feelings of guilt, grief and shame will take time.
Healing involves reconciliation on many levels: reconciliation with the children you have lost, reconciliation to God, reconciliation to anyone who supported the decision or didn’t offer support, and finally reconciliation with your self.
Once you learn to forgive others, you will learn how to forgive yourself and understand that God’s mercy is there for all of us, even those of us who have experienced abortion.
A healing ministry can help you to begin your journey of healing through referrals to specially trained priests for issues you may be facing on the spiritual level and/or a licensed counselor who can help you take some steps toward healing.
Attend a group healing event for support and to hear from others who share your experience to help you understand that you are not alone and that healing is possible.
To speak to someone who understands, start your journey contacting us today: dedicated helpline: (703) 841-2504 or email: info@helpafterabortion.org. All inquiries are confidential.
“DON’T BE AFRAID. YOU’LL FIND LOVE AND HEALING.”