Retreats allow healing to beginOne in an occasional series of columns about Project Rachel post-abortion ministry in Florida. Often overlooked in the abortion debate is the potential negative impact on those women and men who for whatever reason participate in procuring an abortion. This is a highly controversial subject. Many people, especially those who have a vested interest in pro-abortion arguments, have asserted that there are few if any negative effects. However, there is an increasing body of research that suggests there are indeed post-abortive effects for some people. The term “post-abortion syndrome” was first used in the early 1980s by Vincent Rue, a psychologist and trauma specialist, when he compared it to post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD. PTSD is a mental health disorder in which a person is emotionally and psychologically impaired as a result of severe trauma. Some of the symptoms experienced can be depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, nightmares and flashbacks. PTSD can also contribute to increased substance abuse and difficulties in relationships. Post-abortion syndrome is not officially recognized as a diagnosis in the mental health community as of yet. However, ongoing research suggests that it may in fact be a legitimate psychological reality for many people. While not all people who participate in abortion necessarily experience negative emotional effects, those who do may often go years without seeking help to cope with the tremendous conflicts with which they struggle. Some have sought counseling and others have reached out to other resources. Rachel’s Vineyard is one such resource. This international retreat ministry was begun by Theresa K. Burke in 1995. Not all who come to Rachel’s Vineyard have post-abortion syndrome, but all come laden with a heavy burden of guilt, shame and regret. Often they have been often carrying this weight for many years. Rachel’s Vineyard is a weekend retreat in which a person can begin to face the pain he or she has been feeling due to abortion and other past issues. The goal of the weekend is to begin to grieve the losses associated with abortion and to experience God’s healing love and forgiveness. Guilt and shame block one’s ability to grieve and they can create walls of isolation. Guilt says, “I did something wrong.” Shame says, “I am wrong. I am defective and undeserving. I am a terrible person. God could never forgive me.” The weekend helps the participants move out of the darkness of their own pain and into the Lord’s marvelous light of compassion, forgiveness and reconciliation. No matter how bad the sin, no matter how evil or terrible we think the deed is, God is always ready to forgive unconditionally at any moment. Grieving always involves walking through anger and sadness. These two feelings are the twin paths to reaching a place of peace. The retreat provides a safe place where people can begin to open and receive acceptance from others who have also often lived through similar events in their lives. It has been humbling to witness the courage and honesty of those who have participated in the Rachel’s Vineyard weekends as they confront their pain. But it has been equally amazing to see the transformation participants have undergone as a result of this retreat. The healing power of the Holy Spirit has been dramatic as so many have been brought into a deeper walk with Christ. If you think you might be struggling with interior pain as a result of an abortion, you might consider Rachel’s Vineyard. It could be a life-changing event and could bring you into God’s healing heart for a new springtime of your life. Lamoureux is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice in Jacksonville. He is a Rachel’s Vineyard staff member for the Diocese of St. Augustine.
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