St. John Paul II's Beautiful Message of Hope & Healing for Post-Abortive Women

So many post-abortive women leave the Church because they believe that while repentant, their sin is unforgivable, or there is no place for them in the pro-life movement.

Neither of these are true!

I believe this letter from St. John Paul II to post-abortive women builds a bridge between hurt and healing.

The message is an excerpt from his Evangelium Vitae encyclical, but it truly is timeless, and even more needed in our culture – one that is further wounded by the abortion industry.

The Church always remains a strong advocate for pro-life policies and emphasizes the implications of committing such a sin in the Catechism. There are many resources and messages provided for post-abortive women to find peace.

This is not message of condemnation, but one of healing.

In the images below, St. John Paul II presents an inspiring message to women who have had abortions. I encourage you to share this message in the event that you come across someone who is struggling.

Remember to pray for all those impacted by the abortion industry!

St. John Paul II’s Message for Post-Abortive Women:

“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.”

Evangelium Vitae, March 25, 1995

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