Jersey Shore Life Link

The following is written by Kevin & Theresa Burke, founders of Rachel's Vineyard Ministries http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/ and is used with permission

Abortion is a sensitive and painful issue for those that have experienced the procedure. It is also a difficult subject for those who may have encouraged or assisted another person to have an abortion. The Chruch reaches out with love and understanding to you today.

You may be feeling anxious right now just to hear/read about this topic. This is understandable. Try and relax and open your heart to this message, because it is one of hope and healing offered with compassion and concern.

Most individuals stuggle with two opposing reactions to their abortion. Usually they want to put the event behind them as quickly as possible and move on with their lives. However there is an equally powerful need, often unconsciously expressed, to make sense out of the pain, find an outlet for these feelings, and discover once again reconciliation, healing and peace.

This hidden grief can emerge later in a number of self-destructive outlets:

• private addictions and compulsions
• eating disorders
• fear of pregnancy
• parenting difficulties
• the abuse of drugs and alcohol
• promiscuity/affairs
• anxiety and depression
• workaholism

These symptoms serve as an outlet but also a shield against feeling this buried pain that may not surface until the onset of a wanted pregnancy, or may occur when another stressful life event, or relational crisis occurs. Not everyone who has a history of abortion will experience all of these symptoms. However they may experience a more hidden and private grief that can take away from the fullness of joy, intimacy and love that God wants you to experience in marriage.

Having an abortion in your history is not reason for fear or discouragement. But it is clearly an area that requires sacramental and emotional healing.

For a list of other organizations that offer healing from a past abortion, please click here.