= MY FRIEND HAS HAD AN ABORTION =

“At the time, I saw no other way out. It wasn’t so much a choice as an act of desperation.” - Lynne

Many women say that they had an abortion because they felt they had not other choice. Many of these women continue to suffer, often silently with feelings of guilt and remorse. They can be too scared to talk to anyone about it.

There is a growing evidence of the damaging effects of abortion on women. This means that more and more women are now realising that they are not alone in grieving for their lost children. More and more women are now feeling that they need to and can talk about their abortion experience. It is important that women feel supported and not judged at this critical time so that they are able to work through their loss and grief. 

“I thought the abortion would fix the problem. Nobody told me I would have to live with it the rest of my life.” - Anne

You could say:

“I’ve learned a lot more about the reasons why women have abortions; sometimes women have so many pressures they simply see no other way out”

Acknowledge her feelings of loss and grief:

“It must be very hard for you to have been grieving this loss by yourself for so long”

“Things must have been so hard for you at the time”

“You must have felt really scared /overwhelmed/unsupported”

Let her know that there are people who she can talk to who can help her work through her grief.

Forgiveness is available. Many women and men carry their guilt and shame for many years, sometimes decades, believing they are unworthy of good things or even of being loved. It is important that you can tell her that forgiveness and healing is available, that there are people who understand her circumstances then and her grief now.

If you or anyone you know would like to talk to someone about these issues, please call the PLC phoneline:


...it's free and confidential

MY FRIEND WANTS AN ABORTION | MY FRIEND'S CHILD MAY HAVE/HAS A DISABILITY
| MY FRIEND'S BABY IS EXPECTED TO DIE |