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Women who have experienced abortion are affected in many different ways. Though the stories are so often similar, the experiences are unique and unlike any other. One woman may have mild feelings of regret and sorrow while another may grieve deeply for years, having her entire life disrupted by the grief. MORE

One woman stated that she had had an abortion, was alright with it, had made the right decision, but she wondered why she couldn’t focus on school and had no ambition or motivation. She came to realize that the abortion was a “heart” wound not a “head” wound. Her head was telling her the societal “it was her choice”, and her heart was telling her “it was her baby”. She was finally able to face the truth and come to the healing of her heart.

Another woman, 63 years old, had had an abortion ever before it was legal. She was the mother of five, pregnant again, and had aborted under the pressure of criticism for having “so many children”. Her husband never knew. She became pregnant again, fiercely wanting the baby, only to deliver the baby stillborn. For over 30 years she suffered intensely, thinking God was punishing her for the abortion. For 30 years she carried this grief silently and alone. Through God’s goodness, Project Rachel was allowed to be an instrument in leading her to healing, through His mercy and forgiveness. All the 30 years, this sweet woman prayed, sacrificed, and asked for God’s forgiveness. It was through conversation with another woman who had lost her child through abortion that this older woman came, not only to accept God’s forgiveness, but received the grace to forgive herself, and, ask forgiveness from her child.

Most often, when women (and men) call Project Rachel they are hurting and they want to resolve this grief from an abortion. They realize that what they have done was terribly wrong and they don’t know how to manage. Some think they deserve to feel this pain; that they are meant to suffer alone and in silence. And, most feel the need to reconcile with God.

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.