You might wonder how to bring up the topic of abortion with your family or friends. You could say something like:

• I heard there are healing programs for people who have been hurt by their abortions. Did you know that?
• Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries has weekend healing retreats all over the world.
• Rachel’s Vineyard has regular weekend retreats.

If you are talking with someone and she or he shares they’ve had an abortion, ask very open questions, with no judgment or presumptions.

• What was that like for you?
• Did you have any support?
• How do you feel about it now?
• How do you think the abortion has affected you or your life?
• Reassure her: “I’m sorry you went through that.”

You might reassure her or him, that:

• You do not judge her for her choices and you still love and care about her.
• It’s normal to feel conflicted about the abortion.
• It’s okay to grieve the loss of your child.
• It’s okay to feel angry at having to make that choice.
• Reassure her that she’s not alone. There are many others who feel the way she does.
• Rachel’s Vineyard is a weekend healing program that can help her heal from the traumatic experience.
• The retreat can help her forgive herself, forgive others, connect with God and grieve her child.