To women who have had an abortion

In his encyclical letter Evangelium Vitae—The Gospel of Life, Saint John Paul II presents a blueprint for building a culture of life and a civilization of love.  The document explains the false understanding of freedom and autonomy that underpins the rejection of life and family today. He calls all people of goodwill to a higher standard. 

There, among the many appeals to stand firm in the faith and to establish ethical medical practices, legal structures that uphold life, educational endeavours and concrete acts of assistance, he reaches out with authentic compassion to women who have experienced abortion.

It is not enough to oppose the evil of abortion; we must, to the best of our ability and according to our particular state in life, do all we can to assist women, men, and their families in their greatest hour of need, and that includes those who are wounded by abortion.

The following is an excerpt from Evangelium Vitae directed to women who have had an abortion.

To women who have had an abortion

I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone’s right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life.

Saint Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, §99

If you or someone you love has experienced abortion and would like to talk to someone please call Gianna’s Choice Pregnancy Options and Support 0800 367 5433 or email our team.