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Dear Friends:
As grandparents of an aborted child, you may be experiencing a deep pain. You may be remembering the aloneness you felt when faced with your child's pregnancy. You may share your sense of inadequacy when, after the fact, you discovered that an abortion had been chosen.
Testimony: My Parents Love Me More Than Strangers

You may remember your concern for your daughter or son and your desire for them to be free to move on with their lives. And you sometimes remember your disappointment, and perhaps anger, at the fact that your child's life took an unexpected turn such as this. And, sometimes you remember the deeply personal loss of your grandchild.

We are sorry for your loss. We encourage you to begin your healing journey so that, if in the future, your child seeks you out to journey with them as they resolve an abortion loss, you will be free to do so. At this time, we can offer you a compassionate ear and try to connect you with others who can understand and support your healing journey.

Sometimes the parents of the mother and father of the aborted child struggle after learning of an abortion decision. They express a sense of personal sadness and loss. They might express a sense of disappointment that their child made this decision without consulting them. Sometimes they express some anger over the turn of events. They often express great concern for their son or daughter.

Grandparents often describe their experience in these terms:

• Sadness

• Anger

• Overprotection

• Grieving

• Loss of a dream for their child

• "Where did we go wrong? Where did we fail him/her? Why couldn't they tell us?"

• Sense of failure

• May carry the burden of the abortion decision if they actively encouraged or forced the abortion.

• Grandmothers may carry the burden alone if they encouraged the abortion in order not to tell the grandfathers.

• Desire to make their daughter get "better" if they see her grieving or struggling
  Feelings of inadequacy in discussing abortion and its aftermath with their son or daughter.

If you encouraged or participated in the abortion, your son or daughter may be regretful and grieving. You may find peace in asking forgiveness from your daughter or son, and you will want to ask for God’s forgiveness.

If your daughter or son participated in the abortion of your grandchild against your will, or without your knowledge, please find it in you heart to forgive her or him. She or he may be hurting more than you know, and the young parent needs you more now than ever. Guide her or him to healing through your priest or minister, counseling, or contact us at Project Rachel.

We want to do all we can to help you. Please call toll free from area codes 314, 618, or 217 at 1-800-618-HEAL(4325).

Many faith denominations are aware of the grief and hurt caused by abortion. The Catholic Church is so very aware of the weight of the pain of abortion that she promotes and implements Project Rachel Post-abortion healing programs all over the country.

The Catholic Church lovingly offers this help with neither judgment nor condemnation, offering hope and healing to the hurting.
A Message of Love and Healing

This specific Project Rachel program site is a gift to you from the Belleville Catholic Diocese, in Belleville, Illinois.