Even though I’ve seen the statue pictured at the top of this post many times, it still moves me deeply. Sculpted by Martin Hudacek of Slovakia in 2010 to help post-abortive women heal, it is a powerful depiction of a regretful and grieving mother being comforted and forgiven by the child she aborted. Sadly, women who have undergone abortions have great need of healing. Studies have found:
- Women who have had an abortion have an 81% higher risk of subsequent mental health problems compared to women who have not had an abortion.
- Women who aborted have a 138% higher risk of mental health problems compared to women who have given birth.
- Women who aborted have a 55% higher risk of mental health problems compared to women with an “unplanned” pregnancy who gave birth.
- Women with a history of abortion have higher rates of anxiety (34% higher), depression (37%), alcohol use/misuse (110%), marijuana use (230%), and suicidal behavior (155%), compared to those who have not had an abortion.
SOURCE: Project Rachel, www.hopeafterabortion.org
It IS possible to work through the grief and regret to find healing and peace after abortion, so please don’t despair if you are in this situation. Reach out to one of the many organizations dedicated to helping women and men through the process, and know that our volunteers pray for you daily even though we don’t know you by name. May our loving and merciful God strengthen you in your sorrow and restore your joy!
RachelsVineyard.org
877-467-3463; 866-721-7881
GoDeeperStill.org
724-972-3431
Breathe/BrokenVesselsGroup.com
412-687-7767
SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
call or text 988, 24/7
International Helpline for Abortion Recovery
866-482-5433
SupportAfterAbortion.com
844-289-4673
MenAndAbortion.net
SIDEWALK REPORTS
7:30-9 AM +++ Cathy, Peggy, and Mary
CATHY: Sadly, four moms and babies went into PP due our shift (plus at least two more while I was waiting for my bus). We prayed for them all.
9-11 AM +++ Conrad and Elsie
ELSIE: It was, as usual, a sad day on License Avenue, with numerous victims walking through that dreadful Death Door. Conrad & I tried to offer help & information & to appeal to the parents’ hearts & consciences. Also offered literature to anyone exiting, along with verbally informing exiters that there is a wonderful website, AbortionPillReversal.com, which has doctors & nurses & offers FREE help to reverse the first deadly pill. Thousands of babies have been saved through AbortionPillReversal and are healthy children today — with happy moms instead of grieving ones! Sometimes moms DO accept literature after exiting, and this always gives us hope that they may have changed their minds. Conrad prayed fervently and displayed the beautiful image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, carrying our hidden, unborn LORD within her womb. By His becoming man, God has forever sanctified ALL human lives, at EVERY age! Larry & Ed came to take the next shift.
11 AM-1 PM +++ Larry, Elsie, and Ed
LARRY: Today was fairly quiet, lots of women leaving on the 11th to one shift. Lots of positive comments. started the shift with Elsie, and Ed relieved her at noon.
1-3 PM +++ Judy, Chris, and Kevin
CHRIS: I was joined today by two prayer warriors from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Arleen, and Judy, our Sidewalk Advocate. Also praying the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and the Loreto Litanies was John from Regina Coeli Parish. During the first hour of the shift, I was with Jeannie at Little Lamb, working with her on a project with the Knights of Columbus. Here is Judy’s report on the first hour: Very busy 1:00pm-2:00pm. A girl walked by holding a middle finger up over her head. Another guy walked by saying F-you a few time. Another gal spit twice, once towards us and then toward the fetal model display. Father Jeremy stopped by for a while and prayed a Rosary with us.
3-5 PM +++ Eileen and Steve
STEVE: What a glorious day! Pretty quiet, except when the youngsters let out of school. We engaged with a couple of them, and a young girl opined “NO ABORTION! Later on, Shelly, a Jehovah’s Witness spoke with us about our witnessing for love and hope- a very affirming interaction! Then there was the young gal sprinkling her drink over us before she entered PP- it was late in the day- perhaps she was heading upstairs for some “lifestyle affirmation”? We said “God bless you” and “God loves you!” Didn’t see any other clients go in or out- just the workers at closing time.