Reproductive Loss Support

There is no right or wrong way to feel after you lose a baby through a miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, adoption or abortion. Every woman’s experience is unique. Relief, anger, sadness, confusion, and hope can all exist at one time. This may be overwhelming, but it is also normal. If you are looking for emotional support after your loss, we are here to help. Services are free and confidential.

Miscarriage

A miscarriage can leave a woman feeling empty and alone. Many women grieve in silence because it is difficult to explain the depth of pain that comes from losing a child you never held in your arms.

Our miscarriage support material addresses how to deal with the emotions of fear, anger, depression, and loneliness in constructive ways.

We offer either one-on-one support or support groups—whichever is most comfortable for you. If you are having trouble dealing with the pain of your miscarriage, call us today!

For further information see https://www.elizabethministry.org/programs.

Infant Death

The death of a baby can bring grief that washes over you in waves and questions that desperately need answers. Questions like: “If God loves me, why did my baby die?” or “When babies die, do they go to Heaven?” The death of an infant – whether by stillbirth, SIDS, or an illness, can leave you feeling isolated and alone. If your baby has died and you need support, please reach out to us today. We offer one-on-one support or support groups. You do not have to grieve alone. We are here for you!

For further information see https://www.elizabethministry.org/programs

Adoption Loss

Whether you have experienced loss as a Birth Mother who made an adoption plan for your child or are a relative of a child that was placed in an adoptive home, we at PRC want to come along side of you to listen, connect and support you. Just as we now understand the grief cycles of other Reproductive losses, we want to affirm and acknowledge the loss that comes with choosing to allow another family to parent your child.

After the adoption takes place, a birthparent can establish an enduring connection to her child and her experience with adoption by weaving that loss into the fabric of who she is. She never forgets the loss and revisits it at different developmental stages or milestones. But it is not with her in the same way that it was before. When she adapts to the loss, she can begin to re-engage with other people and activities and start the process of healing.

When we reconcile the losses, we have suffered, that does not mean we have forgotten or been unchanged by them. It does not mean that we do not still think about or remember the one we loved and lost or have triggers that bring it back to us and make us feel it sharply. Reconciling a loss means that we are able to find a place for it in our lives that is not all consuming. It is not with us all the time, and eventually, we are able to move forward.

Abortion Loss

There is no right or wrong way to feel after your abortion. Every woman’s experience is unique. Relief, anger, sadness, and hope can all exist at one time. That may be confusing, but it is also normal. If you are looking for emotional support after abortion, we are here to help. Services are free and confidential.

Everyone is different, and every person’s experience with abortion is unique. Some people feel emotions immediately, while others may not for months or years later. Still others may feel nothing at all.

After an abortion experience you might feel relief, shame, regret, denial, numbness, anger, anxiety, sadness, and depression. Your feelings are unique to you, and you are entitled to your emotions surrounding your abortion. You do not have to hide them or be afraid to share.

Family members, boyfriends, spouses, and friends who have been affected by another person’s abortion choice may feel many of the emotions mentioned here along with helplessness, regret, and blame. Your feelings surrounding another person’s abortion are important and valid.

No matter how you are processing your abortion or the abortion of someone else, many find it helpful to talk about their experience and feelings in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. For anyone affected by abortion, there is help, healing, and hope available without shame and judgment. You are not alone. No matter where you are in your after-abortion journey, it is never too late or too soon to discuss your decision with someone who understands and is willing to listen.

We are here to provide support and care after your abortion experience, in individual or group settings depending on which you’re most comfortable with. Everything is confidential and no one will be notified that you have contacted us. We can even assist you in finding support outside of your local area for increased confidentiality. Your privacy is important to us. And as always, all our services are free and will remain free.

If you choose to discuss your abortion one-on-one, you will meet confidentially with someone who is trained to support women and men who have been affected by abortion and offer help and compassion.

If you choose to participate in a group setting, you will meet with people who have similar stories and experiences. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. You will receive love and support from people who have been in your situation and understand what you’re going through.

We are here because we understand the factors that contributed to your abortion choice, and after your abortion, we care about your happiness, health, and well-being.

Giving a voice to your abortion experience can change how you view the decision that you made and give you courage to live in your freedom. We are here for you day or night.

For further information:

Elizabeth Ministry - https://www.elizabethministry.org/programs

Support After Abortion- supportafterabortion.com

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats - rachelsvineyard.org

Her Choice To Heal- ramahinternational.org

Surrendering the Secret- surrenderingthesecret.com

Abortion Changes You- hopeafterabortion.com

BOOKS

Her Choice to Heal by Sydna Masse

Grief and Abortion- Creating a Safe Place to Heal by Stewart, Strauss, Fredenburg, Gaul

Redeeming a Father’s Heart-Men Share their Stories of Abortion Loss and Recovery by Kevin Burke, LSW

Forbidden Grief- The Unspoken Pain of Abortion by Theresa Burke, PhD and David Reardon, PhD