Without a doubt abortion can be one of the most traumatic experiences a person can have. Both before and after abortion, feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, panic and pressure are common–not only for the woman who experiences the abortion, but also for the father of the unborn child, the grandparents, brothers and sisters, close friends, even medical personnel involved with the abortion. People from a broad variety of religious affiliations (or with none) may experience some or all of these feelings. For Catholics, the pain of abortion is intensified by a sense of alienation from God and Church, but God wants to mend the relationships and heal the heartache.

If you have had this experience, our ministry volunteers want you to know that we understand and care. We want to provide a loving and welcoming community reaching out to you in compassion and concern. Above all, we want to help you through the healing process.

In a safe and positive relationship those who have been involved in an abortion can explore the grief, guilt and sadness that they may be carrying. Through this process they may work toward reconciliation with self, child, family, Church, and God.

“Rachel mourns for her children; she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord: Cease your cries of mourning. Wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shall have its rewards. There is hope for your future.” – Jeremiah 31:15-17

Often sleep and eating difficulties arise. Social withdrawal is common, which can be due to feelings of guilt and shame. Nightmares, hallucinations and/or depression can occur years after the incident of an abortion. The quality of family relationships can be seriously affected.

We offer Post Abortion Healing Weekend Retreats that are supportive, confidential, nonjudgmental for women and men who have had an abortion. On these retreats, you can find peace and closure and strengthen your relationship with God while experiencing His love, mercy, and forgiveness. For more information on upcoming retreats, contact Christy 843.554-6088 or Kathy 803.546.6010 or email grace4healing@gmail.com

The following is a letter that was written by a woman who attended a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat. She terminated her pregnancy while a college student, afraid to to tell her parents about her pregnancy. While she moved on with her life, married, had another child, and a career, this experience always sat in her conscience. Her letter was shared at the retreat and she wanted it to be shared with you now.

Dear Luke,

We talked a lot this week. Your name came to me this past Monday while I was praying the Divine Mercy Novena and it made me smile: Luke Patrick – Luke for St. Luke, the Church’s physician and healer, because the Holy Spirit brought me to healing and Patrick for my patron saint, making us even more connected.

Throughout these years since I gave you to God, I have thought of you and wondered about you. I would look at the night sky and wonder what you were like. I would look at the sunny sky during a day at the beach and wonder “What if?” You have herd me cry over the years, missing you and feeling such guilt and regret. But you know I could only have felt those emotions if I loved you — and I still do.

You have a half sister and I know you two would have been the best of friends. Please pray for her, she is my sunshine. Your grandparents are with you in heaven, Luke, and I hope Jesus has brought you to them. I cried so very many tears this week as I asked you over and over to forgive me. During the retreat I heard your sweet voice tell me that already had. Well, now, my boy, I have finally forgiven myself. You are no longer a source of regret or shame or guilt or “what if?” you are no longer an anonymous being to me. From now on when I look to the heavens in the dark of night or the brightness of you day you sill me smile and hear me say “Hello, Luke, I love you.”

I pray that God grants me His divine mercy and forgiveness to allow me into heaven when my tine comes. I know that I will know you right away.

Love Always, 

Mom

Abortion may seem like the quick fix in the moment, yet it is one that stays with you and which you will regret for life, no matter how much you try to push it away.

We offer Rachel’s Vineyard as a safe, confidential space that will help you process the feelings you have carried with you since your abortion. Come explore this wonderful retreat. You have already made peace with God, now God wants you to make peace with yourself.

“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. You will come to understand that nothing is definitively lost, and you will also be able to ask forgiveness from your child, who is now living with the Lord. 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 … those in need … you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life.”

Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreats

rachelsvineyard.org
A supportive, confidential, and non-judgmental environment for men and women to begin healing from painful post-abortive emotions
877.HOPE 4 ME (877.476.3463
803.554.6088 Christy
803.546.6010 Kathy
grace4healing@gmail.com

Local Post-Abortion Support Group

Local Post-Abortion Support Group
Cindy – 404.218.6745 

Silent No More Campaign

silentnomoreawareness.org
Personal testimonies to expose and heal the secrecy surrounding the pain of abortion
Georgette Forney, President of Anglicans for Life  – 412.749.0455
Janet Morana, Executive Director, Priests for Life  – 888. 735. 3488
Kevin Burke, Pastoral Associate, Priests for Life – 888.735-3488

National Hotline for Abortion Recovery

866.482.LIFE (866.482.5433)

Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion by Theresa Burke, PHD with David C. Reardon

Redeeming A Father’s Heart: Men Share Powerful Stories of Abortion Loss by Kevin Burke, LSW

Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreats
rachelsvineyard.org
877.HOPE 4 ME (877.476.3463
803.554.6088 Christy
803.546.6010 Kathy
grace4healing@gmail.com
* A supportive, confidential, and non-judgmental environment for men and women to begin healing from painful post-abortive emotions

Local Post-Abortion Support Group
Forgive and Set Free Bible Study
404.218.6745 Cindy

Silent No More Campaign
silentnomoreawareness.org
* Personal testimonies to expose and heal the secrecy surrounding the pain of abortion

Contacts:

Anglicans for Life 412.749.0455

Georget Forney or Priests for Life 888.735.3448
Women’s Contact: Janet Morana; Men’s Contact: Kevin Burke

National Hotline for Abortion Recovery
866.482.LIFE (866.482.5433)