By Sammie Gallo, Creator of Abundant Life: You Were Made for More
Are you struggling from the feelings of guilt and pain over a past abortion? I want to take the time to type these words and I want them to sink in: You are not alone. And here are some statistics to reiterate that point:
- 1 in 4 women and men in your neighborhood, your campus, your PTA, your work place, your church pews, and beyond will experience abortion by their 45th birthday.
- There are nearly a million abortions happening in our country each year.
- Half of those receiving abortions have had at least one previous abortion, and half of those have had two or more abortions.
- 3 out of 4 women report that if it were not for her “circumstances” (think relational, financial, etc.), she would not have an abortion.
- 44% of men report they did not have a voice in the abortion decision.
- 22 million people are currently hurting after their abortion experiences.
- 90% do not know where to go for help.
Healing and forgiveness are possible - and there are so many resources that will point you back to the Truth and help you experience freedom. Anglicans for Life and Abundant Life: You Were Made for More are very passionate about speaking the Truth of the Gospel to anyone and everyone who has been impacted by abortion.
Bridging the Gap
People who have been impacted by abortion often feel that they have nowhere to turn. They face isolation and a lack of validation that their feelings surrounding their abortion experience are real. As Christians, we don’t judge or condemn. We meet them where they are, validate their feelings, and help them find the healing they deserve because if we’re honest, that’s what Christ did for us.
Our research shows that most people hurting from an abortion experience don’t know where to turn for help. That’s the goal of this post- if you’re struggling after an abortion decision and don’t know where to turn, keep reading.
There is a shift that needs to happen in our culture when it comes to offering healing; we must start to change the conversation from condemnation to compassion. Support After Abortion puts it this way:
- WHAT IF the discussion about abortion was rooted in compassion and human dignity instead of politics and religion?
- WHAT IF those facing an unplanned pregnancy felt the freedom of mental health to make a decision not rooted in the cloud of trauma, fear, and grief?
- WHAT IF there was a clear, compassionate message from each of us drawing in the heart and mind of those who need healing BEFORE they go back for another abortion or recommend it to someone in their life?
- WHAT WOULD the ripple effect of healing do within our neighborhoods, campuses, pews, and beyond?
Support After Abortion is leading
Other Resources:
- Focus on the Family Counseling Consultation Line - If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to, Focus on the Family offers a one-time free phone consultation with a caring Christian counselor. Call 1-855-771-HELP (4357), Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (MT). Our staff may need to call you back, but they’d love to speak with you. You can also search our directory for a licensed Christian counselor in your area via Focus on the Family's Christian Counselors Network.
- H3 Helpline is a 24/7/365 national after-abortion helpline offering support and hope for recovering from the trauma of abortion. Their trained coaches can provide comfort and direction to those impacted by regret, guilt, or grief.
- OptionLine.org can help you find support, regardless of how long ago your experience with abortion was.
Your local pregnancy resource center probably offers small group and individual post-abortion assistance for both men and women. - Saveone.org offers help for men, women, and family members/friends, through group study, online study, or answering questions and giving encouragement through self-study.
- Project Rachel is a confidential Catholic outreach ministry offering hope and healing to women and men hurting from past abortions.
- My Choice Network is a network of providers that can answer your questions professionally, confirm your pregnancy, and ensure you have the help you’re looking for so you can make an informed decision. Visit their website to find a clinic near you.
Healing and wholeness are possible - for all of us - no matter the decisions we've made in the past. If you have more questions about any of these resources, please reach out to us at [email protected] - we would love to connect you.