I had an abortion because I was going through a divorce from a physically abusive marriage, had recently started dating the father of the baby, and did not think I could manage everything going on at that time. 

During the abortion I experienced pain. I don’t think the doctor spoke to me or looked at me. The nurse/assistant was kind and nice. 

I’m not sure how I felt right after the abortion, beat up or in some kind of shock. The next day at work I realized I was no longer nauseous and felt a brief feeling of relief. I tried to tell myself everything was okay.

I pushed all my feelings down. I was going through a divorce with no family support, working and raising two young children. After about five years the emotional pain from the abortion began to surface. I went through many mounts of emotional pain.  I did go to confession and a Women’s help center for counseling.  It wasn’t until I recently attended a Racheal Vineyard weekend that I really felt that I had healed. I was able to share my experiences and feelings with a group of people who truly understood, and I felt God’s love and mercy for me.