Below are individual paragraphs that can be inserted into church bulletins or on websites that echo the theme of healing after abortion.
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| The Church opposes abortion, but embraces with mercy those who have made this mistake. Let's all take encouragement from these words of Pope John Paul II: “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 to his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child.” (The Gospel of Life, #99). #99). |
| One of the many things that doesn’t make sense about our nation’s abortion policy is that it excludes the father of the baby. It is bad enough when the law allows a mother to schedule the killing of her child. But to pretend that the father has no rights to protect his child adds insult to injury, and infuriates many men who either try to stop the abortion and fail, or who find out only after it’s too late that their own child was killed.
Abortion is an assault not only on children and on motherhood; it is a direct assault on fathers. So many dads are wounded, and frustrated in their role as protectors and providers. It is time to restore the true rights of mothers, fathers, and their children in the womb. Find out more about how abortion impacts fathers, and how they can find healing, at AbortionShockwaves.com.
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| According to the website of the Alan Guttmacher Institute, 43% of women will have had at least one abortion by the age of 45. That's a lot of abortion, and a lot of pain. Those who suffer from the aftereffects of this procedure and seek guidance and counseling may call Rachel's Vineyard at 877 HOPE 4 ME (877-467-3463). |
| More people than ever are coming forward to talk about how they regret having an abortion. Here are some quotes from actual testimonies, provided by a national research project: "It affected my relationship with my children because I emotionally pushed them away - I felt I didn't deserve them"; "I would go to the cemetery wondering what they did with my baby"; "Initially I also felt a sense of relief that it was all over. But it was a strange brand of relief that did everything relief should, except make me feel any better." If you need help, call Rachel's Vineyard at 877 HOPE 4 ME (877-467-3463). |
| A Mother's poem to her child lost by abortion “Forgive me. ; I am sorry my baby, my little one. You were killed by the one who loved you the most. For the months I carried you, Flesh of my flesh, flesh of his flesh. I felt your every move, I could feel you ....But I was too young, I did not know. Your father, my little one, did not know you. You are a boy, a man like him. I call you Stewart William, like him. You have curly, brown hair like him. Your face is his face. I love you like I love him. I have no excuses. I saved you from a world. Where babies are killed by the ones who should love them the most. You are safe with God now. If I should ever have another child, You must remember that I will always love. You the most, my first baby. Sleep well, my little one.” For healing after abortion, visit AbortionForgiveness.com. |
| Women speak out”[The abortion] gave me grief and sorrow beyond expression. I have committed the most heinous of all crimes -- I killed my own child. Yet, the Lord forgave me, just as he forgave Paul. Yet I will always regret what I did and will probably always feel grief. But I pray that my experience can somehow prevent other women from making the same fatal mistake. I'm a nurse now, so I wear my uniform to all the pro-life things I do!” For information on healing after abortion, and to read more testimonies, visit SilentNoMore.com. |
| Every day, women who have had abortions are coming to the healing of the Lord. One such person has shared the following: “[My husband] convinced me to get an abortion. I was of the feeling (although I knew better) that this wasn't really a baby. It was a 'mass of tissue' I was getting rid of. I grieved for a long time when I faced what I had really done. It made me a much sadder person for a while. I made a confession to a Priest, [and] followed his advice to become involved in letting people know that they are carrying a life inside of them. I feel very good about myself now. I am involved in the Pro-Life Movement.” For more info, visit SilentNoMore.com. |
Men suffer too
The following is a letter written by a man who lost his son to abortion: Dear John Peter, In the fall, John, when the leaves fall from the trees I shall think of you, for you too fell from life. In the cold of winter, John, the snow shall remind me of you: for like the snow you were and are white and pure. In the spring, John, I shall think of you: for the birth of spring shall remind me that you, too should have been born into this world. John, I shall think of you in the summer: I shall imagine your laughter. I shall see you as you might have been, a little boy running and playing, scraping your knees from a fall. I shall miss, John, all that I might have gained from your life. May you rest in the arms of God, Dad. Men struggling with the temptation and wounds of abortion can find help through Priests for Life at FatherhoodForever.org. |
| From someone who had an abortion...”[The abortion] gave me grief and sorrow beyond expression. I was petrified to tell anyone. I have committed the most heinous of all crimes. Yet, the Lord forgave me, just as he forgave Paul. Yet I will always regret what I did and will probably always feel grief. But I pray that my experience can somehow prevent other women from making the same fatal mistake. I'm a nurse now, so I wear my uniform to all the pro-life things I do! It helps.” Forgiveness and healing are available. Visit RachelsVineyard.org. |