January 19, 2020

This week, January 22, is the anniversary of the famous court case “Roe v. Wade” which legalized abortion on a federal level across the country. This Friday, January 24, will be the annual “March for Life” which protests abortion and is the longest-running annual protest march in the history of the United States.

I know abortion is a politically-charged topic in our country. Especially as those who are labeled as “pro-life” are often accused of caring about the babies and NOT about the mothers.

I want to take a moment here to reiterate and clarify the Catholic Church’s position. We as Catholics believe in the inviolable dignity of every human life, from conception until natural death and every stage in between! Thus it not only about saving babies’ lives, but also about helping those mothers. Psychological research continues to show the devastating psychological and emotional effects that abortion can have on a woman, though sometimes those traumatic effects do not manifest until many, many years later! Thus as the Church, we are not only “pro” the life of the unborn child, but we are also “pro” all those women who have had abortions, for their healing.

Vicki Thorn, a faithful Catholic from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was so moved after a friend of hers had an abortion and she began to see the after-effects. Vicki has since spent her life’s work in counseling and helping bring healing to all those who have ever had abortions, and all those affected (women, as well as fathers and families), to help bring healing and hope to all post-abortive people, founding a ministry known as “Project Rachel.” To learn more about Project Rachel visit: www.hopeafterabortion.com. She also is part of a broader organization National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing, Inc. You can visit that website at www.noparh.org/index.html.

These are great resources for healing for you or anyone you know who has had an abortion. On a local level, there is support available through our Archdioceses Catholic Charities. Here is the information from their website: www.catholiccharitiesdubuque.org/catholic-charities-services/counseling-services

“Post Abortion Counseling and Reconciliation | Project Rachel – is a free and confidential program available to anyone who is having difficulty with the after-effects of an abortion. Project Rachel consists of meeting with a professional counselor and, if desired, referral to a priest, or minister who can prepare individuals for reconciliation. To ask for help please call our toll free number 800.772.2758 and ask for “Rachel”. You will be connected to a trained counselor who will help you sort through your feelings, questions, and current conflict.”

So if you are someone who has ever been involved in an abortion, I want to say first that you are loved. I want you to know there is hope and healing for you.

Peace,

-Fr. Kevin