These numbers are staggering. The loss of

babies to abortion has brought catastrophic consequences — emotional, physical, and spiritual — to not only many of the women who carried those children, but also to the fathers, the millions of grandparents, other family members and friends who, in some way, encouraged, forced, or assisted in these abortions. In addition, there are  millions of siblings that having learned of their aborted brothers and sisters, now experience anger and/or fear.

We are a country of 227 million adults, 18 years and older. Tens of millions of your friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, church members, and the list goes on, are silently suffering. Perhaps someone reading this post has recently understood the reality that a someone, not just a something, was terminated by an abortion. The startling fact is that one out of every two or three people you see walking down the street has been directly or indirectly involved with an abortion.

The grief, sorrow, and anguish felt by so many millions will often manifest itself in psychological trauma such as nightmares, alcohol and drug abuse, relationship problems, and even suicidal tendencies. At least one in four will develop chronic stress known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Follow this link to read about some of the physical and neuropsychological symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by abortion.

Many are tormented by feelings of deep sorrow and guilt, but there is a light at the end of what, for many, has been a long dark tunnel. Mercy Himself is waiting for you, to forgive, heal, and renew lives.

The following words are taken from the diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, by Saint Faustina Kowalska. Jesus says to her, “Let the greatest sinners place their trust in my mercy. They have the right before others to trust in the abyss of My mercy. My daughter, write about My mercy towards tormented souls. Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I grant even more graces than asked. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to my compassion, but on the contrary, I justify him in my unfathomable and inscrutable mercy.” (Diary, 1146)

All hearts can rejoice at the message of these words, for God’s mercy is greater than any sin.

Pope John Paul II wrote: “I would 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 … do not lose hope … 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 be able to ask forgiveness from your child, who is now living in the Lord.” (John Paul II  Evangelium Vitae, 1995, #99)

The following are some of the many resources available where you will find caring, non-judgmental, loving help.

Rachel’s Vineyard

Rachel’s Vineyard Australia

Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer you a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.
 
Hope After Abortion   

After Abortion – Elliott Institute

Abortion Recovery International

Silent No More Awareness

A word of caution regarding counseling or therapy from Theresa Burke, PhD, founder of Rachel’s Vineyard and co-author of Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion:

“Post-abortion healing is a specialty unto itself. The average psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counselor of any other academic stripe who does not understand post-abortion issues can often inflict more harm than good on the unsuspecting woman. Many may believe they have enough insight to help, but unless they have had additional training, they often don’t. Certainly, if your thoughts and feelings become so overwhelming that you feel you can no longer cope, seek professional assistance immediately. But generally, I encourage you to take the time to find one of the growing number of professional therapists and experienced lay counselors who have received special training in post-abortion healing.”

Take courage, my friend.