This is a directory of healing resources for recovery from an abortion or other pregnancy loss experience. Individuals who've experience a pregnancy loss may experience any number of feelings and emotions. However, if you find yourself or someone you love struggling or seeking closure following your pregnancy loss, know that you/they are not alone. Below you will find organizations, websites, and books of diverse beliefs and practices which offers support, guidance, and in some cases, professional counseling. No one will judge you or try to make you believe anything, they have been where you are and are there support you. But as you investigate the resources listed here, keep in mind that not every program is a good fit for every person. I encourage you to choose recovery resources which fit your values and beliefs system and where you feel safe, comfortable and welcome
Emergencies:
If you have recently had an abortion and are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call a suicide hotline at
1 800 784 2433 (1-800-SUICIDE) 1-800-SUICIDE, or contact
Befrienders International or
The Samaritans right now, or call a friend who can stay with you until you can get help!
Some women are overwhelmed with the feelings that come after abortion, if you are in that place be gentle with yourself.
Disclaimer: This directory is for informational purposes only. Not all organizations and individuals listed will be/are professional counselors. No representation is made or warranty given to each organization or individual listed herein regarding content, conditions, type of healing program or services.
Use at your own discretion.
Faith-Based Counseling/Support Groups:
United States:
National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing
National office of Project Rachel, a ministry of the Catholic Church composed of a network of specially trained clergy, spiritual directors and therapists who provide compassionate care to those who are struggling with the aftermath of abortion. Provides confidential help to women and men of all faiths. For referrals to support groups and out reaches of various denominations, contact the national referral number.
Toll-free number: 1-800-5WE-CARE (national referrals number)
PO Box 070477
Milwaukee, WI 53207-0477
Telephone Number: (414) 483-4141
National Post-Abortion Hotline
The hotline is exclusively staffed by women who have themselves had an abortion. You can talk to a trained consultant who has also experienced the pain of abortion, but has found hope and healing. All calls are free and confidential.
Toll-free number: 1-866-482-LIFE (1-866-482-5433)
Rachel's Vineyard Ministries
Offers post-abortion healing and support through weekend retreats and support groups at many sites across the U.S. and abroad. Provides leadership and clinical training seminars, conferences, publications and resources for other healing ministries that wish to offer the retreats. Current retreat dates and locations are listed on the web site.
Toll-free number: 1-877-HOPE-4-ME (1-877-467-3463)
PO Box 195
Bridgeport, PA 19405
Hope Alive, USA
Hope Alive group treatment programs for those deeply hurt by childhood traumas and pregnancy losses. Provides referrals to trained counselors for those desiring the 30 week treatment program.
52 Walney Drive
Bella Vista, AR 72715-2380
Phone Number: 1-479-855-0072
Luminara
Luminara is a post abortion referral network. We know that no matter what your beliefs you can experience many conflicting emotions, if you, or someone close to you has had an abortion. We are committed to getting you the help you need to work through these feelings.
PO Box 242
Harrison, NY 10528
Tel: 1-877-586-4621
Email:
lumina@postabortionhelp.org
Save One
Our mission is to reach men and women who are suffering in silence after an abortion. Our passion is to help men and women reclaim and restore their peace of mind and self-worth. SaveOne will give you the necessary tools to assist in rebuilding your life. We offer help through group study, one-on-one help, or answering questions and giving encouragement through self-study.
Call 501-681-8979
E-mail:
info@saveone.org
Fathers and Brothers Ministries
Provides Support, counseling, and information for men who experienced abortion-related pregnancy loss.
350 Broadway, Suite 40
Boulder, CO 80303
Phone Number: (303) 494-3282
International:
Abortion Recovery Directory International
A wealth of information from feelings you may be experiencing after abortion, stories from those affected by their own or a loved one's abortion and a site locator to find abortion recovery resources near you.
Toll-free number: 1-866-4-MY-RECOVERY
Ramah International
Seeks to bring post-abortive individuals to Christ's Healing, and supports post-abortion ministry through training programs, resources, research, and promoting awareness of post-abortion issues around the world.
1776 Hudson St.
Englewood, FL 34223
Phone Number: 1-941-473-2188
CareNet International
Provides referrals for individual or group Christian post abortion peer counseling services throughout the United States and abroad.
Toll-free Number: 1-800-395-HELP
Care Confidential (United Kingdom)
Offers The Journey, a sensitive one-to-one or group programme that supports you and equips you to deal with the emotions involved, helping you to find the resources you need to relate to your experience more healthily.
Tel freephone 0800 028 2228
Options Chester (United Kingdom - Chester)
For post abortion support, this service is free, confidential and provided by trained advisors
Tel: 01244 390 193
Abortion Changes You
A confidential space of sharing and finding healing and closure for those who are touched by abortion, whether the experience happened recently or years ago.
The Stacy Zallie Post-Abortion Comfort Portal
The Stacy Zallie Foundation’s mission is to assist women who have made the difficult choice of ending their pregnancy in finding a caring, non-judgemental resourse to help restore their happiness and reconnect with their loved ones and their future.
Healing After Abortion
A Christian-based website dedicated to help women on their journey of healing after abortion. Discusses topics such as grief, loss, healing, medical issues, and stigma.
SafeHaven Ministries
Provides online recovery support and hope and healing for post-abortive men and women. SafeHaven is a Christian-based, privately run site. The site is for anyone who has chosen abortion(s) and is struggling with the aftermath, even if they believe it was still the right choice for them. Because SafeHaven Ministries is a support site and members are of diverse beliefs, debating the moral or political issues associated with abortion is not permitted. The message board and chat room are moderated.
Healing Hearts Ministries
Offers e-mail and support group counseling to those suffering the effects of abortion.
Last Harvest Ministries Inc.
Provides Christian-based online recovery support to men and women suffering from the aftermath of abortion and related life-dominating issues.
Life After Abortion
This website was created in February 2003 and is a place where post-abortion men and women can get useful information--resources, be able to talk to others who have gone through the same difficulties, and find hope for the future. Also this is an almost daily news column about what could loosely be called "the post-abortion movement." This includes the ministries and events that focus on the negative emotional and spiritual aftermath of abortion.
Secular Counseling/Support Groups:
Exhale (A pro-choice post-abortion recovery resource)
"At Exhale, we believe abortion is a normal experience in the reproductive lives of women and girls. We also believe that feelings of relief, sadness, happiness, grief, empowerment, shame, confusion and guilt are normal too. If you had an abortion, we know it can be hard to talk about and that finding the right person to talk with can be even harder. Exhale is here to listen - without judgment, without bias, and without a political or moral agenda. All calls are free and confidential. Exhale is designed to support you and your experience." The talkline operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. through a toll-free number
Phone number: 1-866-4-EXHALE.
A couple of women's experience with Exhale
Feedback from callers at the Exhale site
PASS Awareness Site (A pro-choice post-abortion recovery resource)
Provides neutral, non-judgmental, non-religious, non- political on-line support, information, help and healing for women who have had an abortion. The site provides "peer support" from other women who've had an abortion, volunteer helpers, and online information about physical and emotional post-abortion recovery. Also offers support for partners and family members of women. Seeks to have post-abortion syndrome recognized as a medical issue for women, not a political or religious one. Because this is a support site and members are of diverse beliefs, debating the moral or political issues associated with abortion is not permitted.
IMAGINE Counseling
It is our philosophy that all therapy is a process of learning to do self healing. We serve as guide, support, and witness for whatever process you may need. Some work may be short term--one or several sessions pertaining to a specific issue. “We can help you uncover your own internal wisdom and power to create the peace and passion that is eluding you. You can learn skills and tools that will assist you in any of life's stresses. Our practice is primarily conducted over the phone, which allows flexibility in scheduling rarely available with an office practice. This also allows us to bring our special experience to people regardless of their geographical location. Call (505) 757-2991 to schedule a free half hour consultation to see if we can help you find healing .
Abortion Conversation Project, Inc.
ACP's website encourages conversations about abortion with FAQ, articles of interests and conversation guides.
Abortion Chronicles
Women share their abortion stories
Project Voice
Write anonymously about your abortion experience and read a range of other women's stories.
Pregnancy Loss Memorials:
Suggestions for Recognizing the Loss and Memorializing the Potential Child
Honored Babies Online Memorial and Pregnancy Loss Site
Online Pamphlets on Abortion Loss and Healing:
A Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Resolution
After an Abortion
Inner Healing After Abortion
When the Pain Won't Go Away: Dealing with the Aftereffects of Abortion
After Your Abortion: a natural response
Grief - Grieving Your Losses
Books - Self-Help Recovery & Healing from Abortion Loss for Women:
Being at Peace with Choices (Audio CD)
with Dr. Carol Robin
Guided CDs Inc. / 2006
C.P.R.: Choice Processing and Resolution
by Trudy Johnson
Paperback / Outskirts Press / August 2009
A Difficult Decision: A Compassionate Book About Abortion
by Joy Gardner
Paperback / Crossing Press / September 1986
The Healing Choice: Your Guide to Emotional Recovery After an Abortion
by Candace De Puy, Dana Dovitch
Paperback / Fireside / March 1997
Living with Your Choice: An Inner Healing for Abortion (Audio Cassette)
by Eric Alan Braun
Cas & Bklt edition / Applied Wisdom Corp / January 1990
No One Told Me I Could Cry: A Teens Guide to Hope and Healing After Abortion
by Connie Nykiel
Paperback / For Teen Moms Only / December 1997
PASS Recovery Steps Workbook
by Jill Savin
Paperback / Jill Savin / July 2004
Peace after Abortion
by Ava Torre-Bueno
Paperback / Pimpernel Press / 1997
The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook: A Guide to Healing, Recovery, and Growth by Glenn R. Schiraldi
Paperback /McGraw-Hill /March 2009
Books - Self-Help Recovery & Healing from Abortion Loss for Men:
Changed: Making Sense of Your Own or a Loved One's Abortion Experience
by Michaelene Fredenburg
Hardcover / Perspectives / 2008
Fatherhood Aborted
by Guy Condon, David Hazard
Paperback / Tyndale House Publishers / July 2001
Men and Abortion: A Path to Healing
by C.T. Coyle
Paperback / Life Cycle Books / April 30, 1999
Redeeming A Father's Heart: Men Share Powerful Stories of Abortion Loss and Recovery
by Kevin Burke LSW, David Wemhoff, Marvin Stockwell
Paperback / AuthorHouse / May 2007
Books - Spirituality-Based Recovery & Healing from Abortion Loss for Women and Men:
Aborted Women: Silent No More
by David C. Reardon, Nancyjo Mann
Paperback or Hardback / Acorn Publishing / January 2002
Abortion & Healing: A Cry to Be Whole
by Michael T. Mannion
Paperback / Sheed & Ward; 2nd edition / April 1986
Changed: Making Sense of Your Own or a Loved One's Abortion Experience
by Michaelene Fredenburg
Hardcover / Perspectives / 2008
Do Not Lose Hope: Healing the Wounded Heart of Women Who Have Had Abortions
by William F., Reverend Maestri
Paperback / Alba House / January 2000
Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion
by Theresa Burke, David C. Reardon
Hardcover / Acorn Books / June 2002
Forgiven and Set Free: A Post-Abortion Bible Study for Women
by Linda Cochrane
Paperback / Baker Book House / 1999
Healing a Fathers Heart: A Post-Abortion Bible Study for Men
by Linda Cochrane, Kathy Jones
Paperback / Baker Book House / November 1996
Healing after Abortion
by David Powlison
Paperback / New Growth Press / July 2008
Her Choice to Heal: Finding Spiritual and Emotional Peace After Abortion
by Sydna Masse, Joan Phillips
Paperback / Chariot Victor Publishing / November 1998
The Inner Dance: A Guide to Spiritual and Psychological Unfolding
by Diana Mariechild
Paperback / Crossing Press / September 1987
The Jericho Plan: Breaking Down the Walls Which Prevent Post-Abortion Healing
by David C. Reardon, Theresa Burke, Laura C. Schlessinger
Paperback / Acorn Books / November 1996
Rachel's Vineyard: A Psychological and Spiritual Journey of Post-Abortion Healing : A Model for Groups
by Theresa Karminski Burke, Barbara Cullen
Paperback / Alba House / July 1995
Saveone: A Guide to Emotional Healing After Abortion
by Sheila Harper
Hardcover / 2003
A Season to Heal
by Luci Freed Penny, Yvonne Salazar
Paperback / Cumberland House / June 1996
A Solitary Sorrow
by Teri Reisser, Dr. Paul Reisser
Paperback / Shaw / March 2000
Soul Crisis
by Sue Nathanson
Hardcover or Paperback / Signet / August 1990
You're Not Alone : Healing Through God's Grace After Abortion
by Jennifer O'Neill
Paperback / Faith Communications / January 1, 2005
Books - Shared Stories of Healing:
Abortion: My Choice, God's Grace: Christian Women Tell Their Stories
by Anne Eggebroten
Paperbaxck / Hope Publishing House / April 1994
Broken into Beautiful: How God Restores the Wounded Heart
by Gwen Smith
Paperback / Harvest House Publishers / July 2008
Can't Keep Silent: A Woman's 22-Year Journey of Post-Abortion Healing
by Lydia A. Clarke
Paperback / Tate Publishing & Enterprises / January 2006
Catholic Women & Abortion: Stories of Healing
by Pat King
Paperback / Sheed and Ward / July 1994
Experiencing Abortion: A Weaving of Women's Words
by Eve Kushner
Paperback or Hardback / Haworth Press / June 1997
Giving Sorrow Words: Women's Stories of Grief After Abortion
by Melinda Tankard Reist
Paperback / Duffy & Snellgrove / July 2000
Lady Liberty A Post-Abortive Story Of Healing
by Julie Weber
Paperback / Weber Publishing / 2004
Make Me Your Choice: Compelling Personal Stories of Struggle and Healing from Those Who Have Had or Dealt with Abortion
by Cheryl Chew
Paperback / Destiny Image Publishers / August 2006
Motherhood Interrupted
by Jane Brennan
Hardcover / Xlibris Corporation / January 2008
Our Choices: Women's Personal Decisions About Abortion (Haworth Innovations in Feminist Studies)
by Sumi Hoshiko
Hardcover or Paperback / Harrington Park Press / 1993
Real Abortion Stories: The Hurting and The Healing
by Barbara Horak
Paperback / Strive For the Best Publishing / December 2006
You Aren't Alone: The Voices of Abortion
by Peggy Kirk, PThD
Paperback / Blue Dolphin Publishing, Inc / January 2006
Books - Recovery & Healing from Pregnancy Loss:
A Cry from the Womb: Healing the Heart of the World: A Guide to Healing and Helping Souls Return to the Light After Sudden Death, Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Abortion
by Gwendolyn Awen Jones
Paperback / Angels of Light and Healing / December 2004
Grieving Reproductive Loss: The Healing Process (Death, Value, and Meaning)
by Anne Lassance
Hardcover / Baywood Publishing Company / October 2002
I'll Hold You in Heaven: Healings and Hope for the Parent of a Miscarried, Aborted, or Stillborn Child
by Jack Hayford
Paperback / Regal Books / November 1990
Spirit Babies: How to Communicate with the Child You're Meant to Have
by Walter Makichen
Paperback / Delta / June 2005
Unspeakable Losses: Healing From Miscarriage, Abortion, And Other Pregnancy Loss
by Kim Kluger-Bell
Paperback / Perennial Currents / May 2000
Books - Healing through Grief:
The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses
by John W. James & Russell Friedman
Letters from Motherless Daughters: Words of Courage, Grief, and Healing
by Hope Edelman
Paperback or Hardcover / Delta / April 1996
Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss, Second Edition (Paperback)
by Hope Edelman
Paperback / Da Capo Press / March 2006
On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss
by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler
Paperback / Scribner; Reprint edition / June 2007
