Post-Abortion

IF YOU ARE FEELING SUICIDAL, PLEASE CALL A SUICIDE HOTLINE OR CONTACT A FRIEND WHO CAN STAY WITH YOU UNTIL YOU CAN GET HELP

If you have access to a computer please go to www.suicidehotlines.com. Or call the national suicide hotline for help at 1-800-784-2433 (I-800-SUICIDE)

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 his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. 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 and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life.

John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), 99

Resources:

US Conference of Catholic Bishops Post-Abortion Resources

Hope After Abortion - A resource for those who have had abortions with extra resources, prayer materials, and contact information for help nationwide

Holy Spirit Church in Tempe, AZ has a group for post-abortive women locally in the Valley

The National Office of Post-Abortion Healing and Reconciliation is a wonderful resource for anyone who has had an abortion or for those helping women who have had abortions.

Rachel's Vineyard - An organization providing retreats for post-abortive women. Click here for the 2008 Retreat Flyer