Services Expanding for Those Wounded by Abortion

Posted on July 8, 2010 - 1:17pm

Abortion has long been seen as a “women’s-only issue.” While mothers certainly carry the physical scars of abortion, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and so many others have deep emotional and spiritual wounds after the losses of these children. The fathers’ unique loss is beginning to gain more attention nationwide. In response, the RLA is developing a new program called Project Joseph to offer retreats and spiritual support groups for men who have been wounded by abortion. As Christ’s adoptive father, St. Joseph provides a model for men struggling to accept challenges in their lives and families. 

Professional counseling has always been available to both men and women free of charge through the Project Rachel program, but previously retreats and support groups have only been available to women. The grief addressed in programs like this may differ greatly between men and women because men do not experience the physical trauma of an abortion. In addition, some men may not have known about the pregnancy until after the abortion, while others may have been directly involved in encouraging it, which can drastically affect the grieving and healing process.

Post-Abortion Syndrome (PAS) in both men and women can be very serious, often very similar to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder experienced by those who have returned from war. If someone you know exhibits any of the following symptoms, please encourage them to get help:

  • Intense feelings of guilt, anger, shame or regret
  • Depression or thoughts of suicide
  • Self-destructive tendencies such as drug or alcohol abuse
  • Inability to maintain trusting or loving relationships

In spite of these serious effects, many men and women have found the forgiveness and healing they needed to move forward with their lives through programs like Project Rachel and Project Joseph. The first St. Louis Project Joseph retreat will be offered on Sat., Sept. 25. If you or someone you care about would like more information on the retreat or the program, or to get in touch with priests and professional counselors specializing in PAS, please call the Project Rachel / Project Joseph phone number (314-792-7565) or visit stlprojectrachel.org.

To read more articles from the July 2010 issue of the ProLife Profile, please click the link in the "Sections" area below.