Have you had an abortion in the past and are now feeling guilt or regret? Are you a man, a parent or someone else that assisted someone in getting an abortion?
An overwhelming number of studies now show that women who have had an abortion, and others who have been involved in an abortion, can suffer severe or moderate post-abortion trauma. Sometimes the grief begins right away. But sometimes it can be buried deep within our hearts for decades until the pain comes to light. Symptoms can include depression, feeling alone, low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, regret with the inability to forgive yourself, isolation, nightmares, drug or alcohol abuse, and suicide or suicidal thoughts.
Wherever you are in your journey of healing, you’re not alone. If you or someone you love is suffering from the grief that follows an abortion, there is healing. The first step is to talk to a counselor trained to help you in this specific situation, confidentially, lovingly, and without judgement. Possible resources include:
Project Rachel – Catholic Diocese of Belleville
Phone: 618.722.5068
Website: https://www.diobelle.org/respectlife/project-rachel
Address: Pastoral Center, 2620 Lebanon Ave. Building #2, Belleville IL 62221
Services: Counseling, Reproductive Loss, Post-Abortive Healing. Project Rachel helps women and men heal from abortion. When you’re ready, call to confidentially talk with a trained counselor. No commitment. Just talk. The help line is answered live Tue & Wed, 8am-4:30pm and on Thu, 8am-Noon. Or you can leave a voicemail message any other time. They will call you back when it is most convenient for you.
Project Rachel – Catholic Diocese of Springfield
Phone: Local: 217.698.4456 | 877.722.4355
Website: https://dio.org/plasm/project-rachel.html
Address: 1615 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702
Services: Counseling, Reproductive Loss, Post-Abortive Healing. Project Rachel helps women and men heal from abortion. Confidentially talk with a trained counselor. Optional healing retreats available.
Project Rachel – Archdiocese of St. Louis
Phone 314-792-7565 | Text 314-778-0628 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.archstl.org/respect-life-apostolate/programs/pastoral-care/project-rachel
Address: 20 Archbishop May Dr., St. Louis, MO 63119
Services: Project Rachel provides healing and hope to women wounded by abortion, through referrals for confidential, professional counseling from compassionate and trained clinicians, spiritual direction and healing prayer, monthly support group meetings and retreat opportunities. It is open to women of all faiths and backgrounds, and regardless of how long it has been since the abortion experience. Confidentiality is key and your privacy will be respected.
Project Joseph – Archdiocese of St. Louis
Phone 314.792.7565 | Text 314.778.0628 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.archstl.org/respect-life-apostolate/programs/pastoral-care/project-joseph
Address: 20 Archbishop May Dr., St. Louis, MO 63119
Services: Project Joseph provides healing and hope to men wounded by abortion, through referrals for confidential, professional counseling from compassionate and trained clinicians, spiritual direction and healing prayer, monthly support group meetings and retreat opportunities. It is open to men of all faiths and backgrounds, and regardless of how long it has been since the abortion experience. Confidentiality is key and your privacy will be respected.
Compassion Pregnancy Center - Fairfield , IL
Phone: 618.842.2525 Text: 618.335.1347
Website: https://www.compassionpregnancy.com/
Address: 2615 Andrew Dr. Fairfield, IL, 62387
Hours: Tue: 1pm-5pm, Wed-Thu 10am-5pm
Services: Free Ultrasound, Free Pregnancy Testing, Abstinence Counseling, STI Information, Abortion Recovery Support, Pre-natal Information, Parenting Classes, Baby Supplies.
Grace Haven PRC - Mt. Vernon, IL
Phone: 618.816.7526
Website: https://gracehavenprc.com/
Address: 4227 Lincolnshire Drive, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Hours: Mon-Thu: 8am-5pm I Fri: 8am-11:30am
Services: Free Pregnancy Testing, Free Limited Ultrasounds, Limited STD/STI Testing, Pregnancy Options Consultation, Post Abortion Support, Community Assistance Referrals, Parental Training and Classes, Adoption Information, Baby Supplies
Hope After Abortion – Project Rachel Nationwide
Phone: 888.456.4673 to be connected to someone near you
Website: http://hopeafterabortion.com
Services: Counseling, Post-Abortive Healing, Referrals
Deeper Still - Bloomington
Phone: 309.212.1442 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/services/after-abortion-support/deeper-still-post/
Address: 127 N Williamsburg Drive, Bloomington, IL 617040
Services: Offers free 3-day retreats in Central Illinois to provide a safe, confidential and secure place to work through the emotions and realities of living with a past abortion. Many who attend this retreat report being able to find the healing and restoration they are looking for.
Birthright Counseling - North County
Phone: 314.298.0945 Text: 314.643.7043
Website: https://birthrightstl.org/
Address: 5494 Brown Rd. Ste. 102, Hazelwood, MO, 63042
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm
Services: Free Pregnancy Testing, Free Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound, Counseling / Education, Supplies for Moms, Supplies for Babies, Financial Assistance, Supportive Services, Support Services Referral, Medical Referral, Adoption Referral / Assistance.
Birthright Counseling - St. Louis /Midtown
Phone: 314.361.0124 Text: 314.312.2346
Website: https://birthrightstl.org/Address: 3946 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm
Services: Free Pregnancy Testing, Free Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound, Counseling / Education, Supplies for Moms, Supplies for Babies, Financial Assistance, Supportive Services, Support Services Referral, Medical Referral, Adoption Referral / Assistance.
Nationwide Hotlines
Support After Abortion Hotline: 844.289.4673
International Helpline for Abortion Recovery: 866.482.5433
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255
In addition, most of the Pregnancy Resource Centers listed here should be able to refer you for help with addiction and other resources.