Have you become a different person since your abortion experience? Many are surprised at the impact it has on their lives. Post abortion stress manifests itself in many ways. Some just take days to notice the symptoms, others take decades. Nonetheless, it is real. These questions touch on some of the more common symptoms, and might help you identify a few of the broken places in your life.

Do you avoid articles or television programs that deal with abortion?
Do you fear punishment from God?
Do you want to keep your abortion a secret?
Are you uncomfortable around pregnant women, baby clothes, babies or children?
Do you worry about not being able to get pregnant when you want to?
Have your relationships changed, especially those with the opposite sex? If so, how?
Did you feel that abortion was your choice?
Have any of the following been an issue for you since your abortion(s):
Eating disorders?
Increased use or abuse of drugs or alcohol?
Sadness or depression especially at certain times of the year?
Suicidal thoughts?
Nightmares or flashbacks, difficulty sleeping?
Risky sexual behaviors?
Decreased self-esteem?
Do you feel that you are alone, with no one to talk to, no one to understand?

Abortion is not an unforgiveable sin. Yes, God can and desires to forgive a woman or man who has had or participated in an abortion.

“Do not be afraid, Draw close to my heart. There you will find the peace and happiness you seek. Jesus speaks these words to every human being in every generation. He knows well that each of us is broken by sin and burdened by selfishness and past hurts. As St. Paul has written, ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ Yet we are saved ‘by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:24).’

You may be thinking, ‘I don’t deserve to be forgiven. My sins are too great!’ Thankfully, God’s love is greater than all the sins of all time. Jesus offers his grace and forgiveness to every repentant heart. All we have to do is ask and begin to trust in his mercy.

As Pope John Paul II wrote: ‘No human sin can erase the mercy of God, or prevent him from unleashing all his triumphant power, if we only call upon him.’

A great 20th century apostle of Divine Mercy, St. Faustina, recorded in her Diary the consoling words of Jesus: I want ‘all souls to trust in the unfathomable abyss of My mercy, because I want to save them all.’ And He assured her that “the greater the misery of a soul, the greater its right to My mercy.’

The misery of a soul grieving from abortion calls for an outpouring of God’s mercy.”

Source: excerpt from Project Rachel Ministry brochure

Those who had an abortion, their partner, family members, friends, medical staff involved in an abortion, and so many more. It’s mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, friends, doctors, nurses, administrative assistants, Uber drivers, peers, co-workers, and whole communities. No one is an island; we are all connected. When one person suffers, we all suffer. The effects of abortion can have a ripple effect throughout families and communities.

43% of women age 45 or older have had at least one abortion.
47% of abortions are repeat abortions
70% of women choosing abortion believe that abortion is morally wrong. They are choosing against their consciences because of some pressure, from others or circumstances, which make them feel they have no other choice (1).

Source 1: The Jericho Plan: Breaking Down the Walls Which Prevent Post-Abortion Healing, by David C. Reardon. Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 1996.
(Statistics in the U.S.)

Fuente 1: The Jericho Plan: Breaking Down the Walls Which Prevent Post-Abortion Healing, por David C. Reardon. Springfield, IL: Acorn Books, 1996.
(Estadísticas en EE.UU.)

Yes. Men can suffer from abortion, sometimes years after the abortion takes place. They can experience similar trauma as women because of their sense of lost fatherhood. They may regret not convincing the mother to change her mind and taking on the responsibility of fatherhood, or failed to speak up because the law and society reinforce the idea that it is only “her choice”. In some cases, they may have had no say in the abortion.

Other signs of post-abortion stress in men that may differ from women are workaholism or turning to pornography.

Anyone who has been affected by abortion. Women and men; grandparents, adult children.

Referral to Professional Counselors
Referral to a priest or deacon
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Peer-to-peer ministry (accompaniment)
Retreats (one day and weekend)
Gatherings (ongoing support)

Call: 410-625-8491
Text: 410-299-9345
Email: projectrachel@archbalt.org
Website: www.project-rachel.net

There are many ways to support Project Rachel!

• Community Awareness, become a Project Rachel Advocate (with your Pastor’s permission) keep pamphlets, fliers, business cards stocked and updated.
• Prayer Support for those we serve and all involved in this ministry
• Clergy- trained priests, deacons, religious for retreats and referrals
• Licensed trained professional counselors for retreats and referrals
• Prayer Shawl Ministries to supply handmade shawls/lap robes for retreatants attending retreats
• Volunteers to serve on the retreat team
• Financial supporters for retreatants who are unable to afford the cost of the retreats and/or counseling, scholarships are available . Please mail donations to:

  Project Rachel Ministry
  320 Cathedral Street
  Baltimore, MD 21201

  If interested in supporting, please email: ProjectRachel@ArchBalt.org

THANK YOU!