Pregnancy Support Services

Pregnant women deserve better than abortion. Birthline offers free, self-administered pregnancy testing, life-affirming alternatives to abortion, assistance finding resources, and emotional support so mothers can carry their babies to term with care, grace, and courage. http://www.ccmaine.org

Visit the Maine Right to Life website for a list of Pregnancy Support Centers in or near Maine.
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Hurting after abortion?
You are not alone ... we can help.

Having an abortion can hurt later on ...

For most, the initial feeling after abortion is relief that it is over and now they can get on with their lives. However, for many, the relief eventually turns into grief, and even guilt. Having an abortion is a traumatic experience that can leave emotional or physical scars. Some deal with the pain by repressing it, sometimes for years or decades. Unfortunately, that does not take the pain away. It can become manifest in such ways as anxiety attacks, irritability, nightmares or sleep disturbances, flashbacks to the abortion, depression, especially around the due date or anniversary of the abortion, inability to maintain loving or trusting relationships, food or substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts or acts.

They cannot forgive themselves. They believe no one else, especially God, can forgive them either. They turn away from God and the Church when they need love and support the most.

Pope John Paul II’s had this Message for those who have had abortions: “The wound in your heart may not have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give into discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you His forgiveness and His peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and to His mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone’s right to life.” The Gospel of Life, 99

If you are hurting from the grief and pain of an abortion, Project Rachel can offer safe and confidential support to help you find hope, healing, and forgiveness. We provide individual support, Rachel's Vineyard Weekends, and referrals to clergy and counselors if needed. We help individuals, both men and women, as well as family members, work to resolve grief and guilt, and strengthen their relationship with God and their Church.

For more information on the Rachel's Vineyard Weekend retreat model, please visit: http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/

Project Rachel offers confidential, sensitive, non-judgmental support to women, men, and family members experiencing grief, regret, or conflict after abortion, including the following services:

Someone who listens
Confidential help with grief and loss
Rachel's Vineyard Weekends
Spiritual guidance
Referral to clergy and counselors if needed
Support for fathers and other family members
Prayer services
Outreach to churches and communities

For more information or to register, please call 1-800-781-8550, ext. 2670 or 2671, or e-mail at psm @ccmaine.org

“Rachel mourns for her children. She refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. Thus says the Lord, ‘Cease your cries of mourning. Wipe the tears from your eyes. The sorrow you have shown shall have its reward.’” - Jeremiah 31: 15-16