Healing After an Abortion

Pope John Paul II, in Evangelium Vitae (No. 99), writes:

"I would now like to say a special word to the women who have had abortions."

"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....Do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope."

"With over 4,000 abortions taking place each day in our country (almost 40 million since legalization in 1973) there are thousands, probably millions, of women left hurting in the wake of Choice."

"We know from women who have been through it, that the pain of losing a child to abortion can be unspeakable and often goes unacknowledged. Fathers, grandparents, siblings and friends of these lost little ones can also suffer greatly."

This coming year, the Respect Life Committee at St. Charles will join other parishes nationwide in encouraging healing for post-abortive women and other family members. Project Rachel is one very good organization that can help.

The ministry of Project Rachel offers a confidential hotline for post-abortive women and families. They also offer referral services for counseling with trained professionals and priests who are sensitive to the many needs of people seeking to be healed. Project Rachel in Arlington can be reached at projectrachel@arlingtondiocese.org or call Maryanne at 703-841-2504. There is also a national toll free number that routes callers to the closest Project Rachel program in their area. That number is: 1-888-456-HOPE.

On-line you can go to

• http://www.noparh.org/ — National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing with a link to Project Rachel
• http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/offices/rachel/index.html Project Rachel in the Arlington, Diocese, Arlington, VA 703-841-2504.
• http://www.hopeafterabortion.com or http://www.afterabortion.org for general information on abortion's aftermath and the Church's ministry to women and men following abortion. This site includes prayers, quotes from women and men who've experienced suffering after abortion and other resources.
• http://www.rachelsvineyard.org Rachel's Vineyard (a weekend retreat program for those who regret their abortions)

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For more information on the St. Charles Respect Life Committee, please contact Meghan O'Malley and Jonathan Berry respectlife@stcharleschurch.org

 
or Main Respect Life Page
 
Revised/reviewed February 4, 2007.