Motherhood
Interrupted
A Catholic Ministry
For Post Abortion Healing
For Post Abortion Healing
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| © Copyright 2009, Motherhood Interrupted. All rights reserved. |
I know someone who’s had an abortion…..
what can I do?
First of all and most importantly, pray for this person. Pray that
they will turn to Jesus Christ for healing. Pray that they will be
open to the mercy, love and compassion of Jesus Christ the
divine healer. The power of prayer should not be underestimated
or dismissed.
Often times women who have had an abortion or abortions are
stuck in despair. They believe that there isn’t any hope for
them. They think what they did was unforgivable. Give them a
copy of the book Motherhood Interrupted. After reading the
stories in the book they will begin to understand that there is help
for them too. Other books with women’s abortions stories that
are available are Real Abortion Stories by Barbara Horak and
Giving Sorrow Words by Melinda Tankard Reist.
Be a good listener. If the woman wants to talk about her
abortion experience or any aspect of it just listen. If she knows
that she can come to you and talk to you then she will. She may
be angry and want to vent her anger; let her vent. She may be
extremely sad; let her cry. Good listening techniques are being
present when she is talking, not watching tv, or doing the dishes,
focus totally on her. Repeat key phrases back to her. For
example: “you are angry” or “you were scared when you found
out you were pregnant”. This helps the woman to really cement
her feelings and verbalize them better. Also, you can validate her
feelings with phrases like “you sound very upset” or “it seems to
me that you are very sad”.
Many women who have experienced abortion and are
hurting do not realize that there is help available. There are
many resources for help after abortion. A lot of these resources
are listed on this website. You can direct the woman to the
website or write them down on a piece of paper and give them to
her.
Most Christian counselors will recognize that abortion is a trauma
and will acknowledge that in therapy. Research Christian
counselors in your area or call the National Helpline for Abortion
Recovery at 866-482-LIFE for a referral and give the name to the
woman in your life who is hurting from abortion.
If a woman comes to you who is hurting from abortion
urge her to speak to a priest or minister. Oftentimes clergy
will put the woman at ease by telling them that God’s forgiveness
is available to them. They can also help the post-abortive woman
who is agonizing over her lost baby. They can reassure her that
the baby is now in heaven with God. Make sure that the clergy
person you are sending the woman to is compassionate and
understanding of the specific needs of the post-abortive woman.
Many people may feel uncomfortable around a woman who’s
admitted she’s had an abortion. Please show the woman that
you care by keeping in touch with her and continuing to be
her friend. Also, never, ever repeat what she’s told you to
anyone unless she gives explicit permission. Being a good friend
is a blessing to many people, especially the post-abortive woman.
what can I do?
First of all and most importantly, pray for this person. Pray that
they will turn to Jesus Christ for healing. Pray that they will be
open to the mercy, love and compassion of Jesus Christ the
divine healer. The power of prayer should not be underestimated
or dismissed.
Often times women who have had an abortion or abortions are
stuck in despair. They believe that there isn’t any hope for
them. They think what they did was unforgivable. Give them a
copy of the book Motherhood Interrupted. After reading the
stories in the book they will begin to understand that there is help
for them too. Other books with women’s abortions stories that
are available are Real Abortion Stories by Barbara Horak and
Giving Sorrow Words by Melinda Tankard Reist.
Be a good listener. If the woman wants to talk about her
abortion experience or any aspect of it just listen. If she knows
that she can come to you and talk to you then she will. She may
be angry and want to vent her anger; let her vent. She may be
extremely sad; let her cry. Good listening techniques are being
present when she is talking, not watching tv, or doing the dishes,
focus totally on her. Repeat key phrases back to her. For
example: “you are angry” or “you were scared when you found
out you were pregnant”. This helps the woman to really cement
her feelings and verbalize them better. Also, you can validate her
feelings with phrases like “you sound very upset” or “it seems to
me that you are very sad”.
Many women who have experienced abortion and are
hurting do not realize that there is help available. There are
many resources for help after abortion. A lot of these resources
are listed on this website. You can direct the woman to the
website or write them down on a piece of paper and give them to
her.
Most Christian counselors will recognize that abortion is a trauma
and will acknowledge that in therapy. Research Christian
counselors in your area or call the National Helpline for Abortion
Recovery at 866-482-LIFE for a referral and give the name to the
woman in your life who is hurting from abortion.
If a woman comes to you who is hurting from abortion
urge her to speak to a priest or minister. Oftentimes clergy
will put the woman at ease by telling them that God’s forgiveness
is available to them. They can also help the post-abortive woman
who is agonizing over her lost baby. They can reassure her that
the baby is now in heaven with God. Make sure that the clergy
person you are sending the woman to is compassionate and
understanding of the specific needs of the post-abortive woman.
Many people may feel uncomfortable around a woman who’s
admitted she’s had an abortion. Please show the woman that
you care by keeping in touch with her and continuing to be
her friend. Also, never, ever repeat what she’s told you to
anyone unless she gives explicit permission. Being a good friend
is a blessing to many people, especially the post-abortive woman.
We all know someone
who's been
traumatized by
abortion. Give them
the most precious gift
one can give another,
help them heal.
who's been
traumatized by
abortion. Give them
the most precious gift
one can give another,
help them heal.
