Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion

Theresa Burke, PhD. and David C. Reardon, 2002, Acorn Books, Springfield, IL, 62791 Hardcover. All publisher’s profits from sale of this book will go to support post-abortion research, education, and outreach to those injured by abortion.

Dr. Burke explores the cultural and psychological obstacles to post abortion healing. Drawing on the experience and insights of hundreds of her clients, Dr. Burke shows how repressed feelings may be acted out through self-destructive behavior, broken relationships, and other emotional or behavioral problems. Forbidden Grief explains how to better understand the nature of unresolved abortion issues and what steps will help find healing.

No One Told Me I Could Cry: A Teen’s Guide to Hope and Healing After Abortion

Connie Nykiel, RN, 2001, Life Cycle Books Ltd, Lewiston NY14092

This book is meant for teens suffering from post-abortion syndrome and all those close to them – church youth ministers, school counselors, health care professionals and parents. Nykiel discovered a large population of high school teens were post-abortive and recognized the unique experience that abortion plays in their lives. Nykiel writes a message of hope and joy and helps them find healing.

Do Not Lose Hope; Healing the Wounded Heart of Women Who Have Had Abortions

Fr. William F. Maesti, 2000, Alba House, New York, 10314

In a series of eight reflections based on real-life experiences of women who have had abortions, Fr. Maesti reveals the pastoral concern of the Church for the humiliation and pain of so many who who desperately need to be understood and given a chance to repair the hurt in their lives.

Deeply Damaged: An Explanation for the Profound Problems Arising from Aborting Babies and Abusing Children
Philip G. Ney, MD, Pioneer Publishing Co., Ltd., Canada, 1997.

Psycho-Spiritual Healing AFTER Abortion
Douglas R. Crawford and Michael T. Mannion, Sheed & Ward Publishers, Kansas City, MO, 1989.

Grieving Reproductive Loss: The Healing Process
Kathleen Gray and Anne Lassance, The Baywood Publishing Company, Inc., Amityville, New York, 2003.

Men and Abortion: A Path to Healing
C.T. Coyle, PhD., Essence Publishing, Ontario, Canada, 1999.

A Solitary Sorrow: Finding Healing and Wholeness after Abortion
Teri Reisser, M.S, with Paul Reisser, M.D., Harold Shaw Publishers, Wheaton IL, 1999

Post-Abortion Aftermath: A Comprehensive Consideration (writings generated by various experts at a 'Post-Abortion Summit Conference')
Michael T. Mannion, ed., Sheed and Ward Publishers, Kansas City, MO, 1994.

The Mourning After: Help for the Postabortion Syndrome
Terry L. Selby with Marc Bockmon, Baker Bookhouse, Grand Rapids, MI, 1990.

Women's Health after Abortion: The Medical and Psychological Evidence
Elizabeth Ring-Cassidy and Ian Gentles, DeVeber Publishers, Ontario Canada, 2002.

Detrimental Effects of Abortion: An Annotated Bibliography with Commentary
Thomas W. Strahan, ed., Acorn Books, Springfield, IL, 2001.

Videos:

Bridging the Tears
27 minutes, Gabriel Communications
Lola Falana, celebrated entertainer, introduces this compelling video for adults and teens with a powerful message to defend human life with non-violence and love. A real-life witness tells how she found and accepted healing 20 years after her abortion experience.

Dear Children
30 minutes, Liguori Publications. Abridged and Spanish versions available.

Men and women openly share their anger, guilt, denial and grief over their lost child. They also share their discovery of the overwhelming presence of God in their lives, a God who gives renewed hope and forgiveness.

Church Documents Addressing Post-Abortive Reconciliation

Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, l975

Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, l985 (A Reaffirmation)

Faithful for Life, A Moral Reflection, Statement of US Bishops, 1993

The Gospel of Life #99, A Special Word to Women Who Have Had an Abortion, Pope John Paul II

Faithful for Life, A Moral Reflection, Statement of U.S. Bishops, 1993

Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, 2001 A Campaign in Support of Life

A Matter of the Heart, U.S. Bishops Statement, 2002

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