|
We all have grieved the
loss of someone at some point in our lives. Nothing could be more painful than
the death of a child. But those who have lost a child because they had an
abortion, or were part of an abortion decision, often do not allow themselves to
grieve or don’t know how to grieve.
If you are experiencing
adverse emotional reactions following an abortion, you may have post-abortion
syndrome (PAS) described as the inability to: (1) process the fear, anger,
sadness and guilt surrounding your abortion experience, (2) grieve the loss of
your baby, and (3) come to peace with God, yourself and others involved in the
abortion decision.
How does PAS develop?
A
woman faced with a crisis pregnancy experiences a tremendous amount of fear and
anxiety about her situation, and she seeks a fast solution to her dilemma. Since
abortion is legally and socially sanctioned, it is the choice she is likely to
make, even though she may be violating her own moral code.
Immediately after the
procedure, she will usually feet great relief that the crisis is over. But any
moral struggle she felt prior to the abortion will resurface eventually.
Since she cannot go
back and “undo”
the abortion, the following symptoms may occur,
sometimes delayed for many years:
preoccupation with
becoming pregnant again, depression1crying, difficulty concentrating, guilt,
intense grief/sadness, anger, emotional numbness, sexual problems, lowered
self-esteem, nightmares, anorexia or other eating disorders, or drug/alcohol
abuse.
It’s so painful. It’s
an experience that goes beyond our physical and emotional being. It penetrates
deep into the heart of our spiritual life. The pain just doesn't go away!
How does one grieve the
death of an unborn child when the decision to abort seemed to be so right at the
time? After all it is legal, it must be alright.
Why would someone be
unable to stop thinking about the abortion?
Why the feeling of
emptiness?
Who can free me from this hurt and pain?
Give your pain to God. It is okay to tell God how hurt you
are. Be assured there is healing in forgiveness.
Being forgiven by God
does not mean He wipes out our emotions and memories. It does mean
we now have a way to resolve our problems—God’s way. If you draw on God's
power for your life, your anger and bitterness will eventually be replaced with
love and peace.
There is a special
ministry that can help you overcome the pain. Word of Hope will
put you in touch with a Christian caregiver who will help you find healing
and reconciliation with the Lord.
To take that first step
toward recovery, call Word of Hope to arrange for a confidential
referral.
Call
888-217-8679 or (630) 990-0909
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and
remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25)
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together
with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of
Christ. (Ephesians 3:17b-18)
Word of Hope, a
Post-Abortion Healing Ministry of Lutherans For Life
Grace
Kern, Director |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg)
