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Ten Tips for Churches to Reach Out to the Post-Abortive

In Our Midst Ministries, Edmond, OK - June 8, 2005

It is estimated that over 20 million women have had abortions in the United States since it was legalized in 1973. Of those that have experienced abortion, one study concluded, "a minimum of 19% suffers from diagnosable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Approximately half had many, but not all, symptoms of PTSD, and 20 to 40 percent showed moderate to high levels of stress and avoidance behavior relative to their abortion experiences" as reported by Elliot Institute. Further statistics report that approximately 43% disclose a Protestant affiliation and approximately 27% identify themselves as Catholic. Adding to those statistics the numbers of others who have been emotionally wounded as a result of abortion, the tally becomes staggering. (These include the father of the baby, the grandparents, siblings, friends, and abortion clinic/hospital personnel.) The logical conclusion then is that there are a large number of people in our churches who have been hurt by abortion and are seeking healing of that pain.

To best minister to the needs of the post-abortive, you should:

  1. Know what leads an individual or a couple to choose abortion. There are many factors that lead a woman to choose abortion, and often, in reality, she feels she has no choice. Understanding what brings her to that point is vital to eliminating condemnation and being able to come alongside her with the heart and compassion of Christ.
  2. Understand the societal and relational pressures to abort. Because abortion has been legal in the U.S. for over 30 years, many young women and the young men with whom they are involved have been raised in a society in which abortion is normal and acceptable. For many of these young people, the rhetoric of the pro-abortion propaganda has instilled an acceptance of abortion as the simplest solution to an unplanned or poorly timed pregnancy. Coupled with the absence of adequate and accurate media coverage regarding the detrimental emotional and physical side effects of abortion, and not only do these young people believe (erroneously) that it is their "right," but that it is also without consequences.
  3. Be aware of what post-abortion syndrome is and its affects. Little has been publicized in the mainstream media about the often severe and long-term affects of abortion. Learn about post abortion syndrome and the many ways that people have been hurt by abortion. Learning about abortion's affects is vital to understanding and appropriately caring for the person hurt by abortion.
  4. Be willing to exercise Christ-like compassion and acceptance toward the post-abortive. Christ met sinners where they were with love, acceptance, and compassion, followed by truth and hope. His is the model we should be following in dealing with those hurt by any sin. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But having been given grace instead of condemnation, we should go and do likewise. It is in that attitude that healing will take place and the cause of Christ will be furthered.
  5. Set the stage in your church for loving and accepting the post-abortive. As you (the leadership of the church) bring to light the deep wounds of those hurt by abortion, drawing a parallel to how Christ ministered to those similarly wounded in bible times (e.g. the woman at the well and the one caught in adultery), be prepared for a deeper level of spiritual intimacy, growth, and faith in the God who graciously heals even the post-abortive heart.
  6. Receive specialized training in counseling and encouraging the post-abortive person in an effort to facilitate their healing in Christ. A post-traumatic stress disorder, Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) presents specific symptoms unique to this trauma. As such, specialized training is necessary in order to best meet the needs of the post-abortive without multiplying their pain. IOM provides on-sight training seminars for those interested in learning to be effective ministers to those hurt by abortion.
  7. Volunteer as an intern with a qualified online post-abortion ministry. Following training, the safest way to practice what you've learned is by volunteering as an intern at a hands-on Christ-centered peer support web site. SafeHaven Ministries, Inc. has been ministering to the needs of those with unplanned pregnancies and the post-abortive since 1996. Their intern program is an excellent way to gain confidence in ministering to the post-abortive in your church and community.
  8. Develop a plan to walk them through the healing process. Realize that post-abortion healing can be a lengthy process that is best served by developing a specific ministry program. Contact us to schedule training for those interested in post-abortion ministry; organize your volunteers; discuss methods of promoting your new ministry as an outreach to those in your church and community; enlist the support of intercessors to pray for this new ministry; and pray diligently for God to bring the post-abortive to you.
  9. Acquire specific post-abortion bible studies around which to build a post-abortion support group. There are several reputable and effective bible studies written specifically to facilitate healing in the post-abortive. [See resource list]
  10. Offer an open-door policy for anyone, Christian and non-Christian alike, who needs healing from post-abortion trauma. While the church's main objective is to be "light in the darkness" Christians have not always done so without condemnation and judgmental attitudes. Likewise, the high profile media coverage of some prolifers who have been politically active in fighting for the life of the child while seemingly ignoring the needs of the mother, as well as protesting abortion clinics, etc., has contributed to the characterization of Christians as being less-than sympathetic toward their plight. In many ways, instead of building bridges we have created chasms, alienating the very ones we are commanded to love with the love of Christ. Caring for those who have had abortions without condemning them can create an atmosphere of trust conducive to sharing the gospel of Christ with the lost.



New Pro-Life Organization To Equip Evangelicals to Minister to the Post-Abortive / SafeHaven Ministries Announces Expansion

SafeHaven Ministries, Beardstown, IL/Edmond, OK - March 25, 2005

Carla Simmert, Executive Director and Mary Comm, Founder of SafeHaven Ministries, an innovative leader in post-abortion ministry on the Internet since 1996 announce In Our Midst Ministries, Inc., an expansion ministry organization. While SafeHaven ministers directly to the pre- and post-abortive, In Our Midst brings awareness to the church (the body of Christ) concerning the vast needs of those within the church who have been wounded by abortion and other sexual sin. In Our Midst also equips churches with the necessary tools to minister to the wounded post-abortive population.

Comm, the Executive Director of the newly formed In Our Midst Ministries says, "Over the years the church has taken a moral and sometimes political view of abortion, defending the right to life of the unborn, unaware of the other victims of abortion. While abortion ends the life of an unborn child, it often devastates the lives of women who had the abortion as well as those who participated in the decision-making process or were otherwise affected, such as the baby's father, grandparents, siblings, etc. We have witnessed a steady flow of Christian women and men coming to SafeHaven for healing from a past abortion, turning to us merely because we offer complete acceptance of them and hope for healing in Christ while never wavering from our pro-life position." "They come to us," says Comm, "because few churches are even aware of their woundedness, much less possess the knowledge needed to minister Christ's love and healing grace in a manner in which they are able to receive it."

Many churches teach the love and forgiveness of Christ, but abortion carries with it a deep sense of shame and guilt wrapped in a complex cocoon of Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS), a post-traumatic stress disorder. This cocoon must be gently and systematically dismantled over a period of weeks and sometimes months of intimate counseling and consistent application of biblical truths before healing and freedom are achieved. In Our Midst's twofold goal is first to bring awareness to the body of Christ regarding these life-altering issues and the vast number of Christians who struggle with them, including the post-abortive mother, the father, the grandparents, siblings, and friends involved in the decision to abort. Second, In Our Midst will equip churches with the specialized training and resources needed to meet these hurting people where they are just as Jesus would.

For more information about In Our Midst Ministries, Inc. and the services they provide go to http://www.inourmidst.com, or contact Mary Comm by phone at (405) 330-0366 or via email at staff@inourmidst.com.

Visit SafeHaven Ministries at http://www.postabortionpain.com.