Project Rachel Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project Rachel?

It is the Church’s ministry which operates as a network of professional clergy, licensed counselors and volunteers all trained to provide one-on-one spiritual and psychological support for those who are suffering from the trauma of abortion.

It offers one-on-one support, clergy and counseling referrals.

What does post-abortion stress look like?

Have you become a different person since your abortion experience? Many are surprised at the impact it has on their lives. Post Abortion Stress (PAS) manifests itself in many ways.

Some just take days to notice the symptoms, others take decades. Nonetheless, PAS is real. These questions touch on some of the more common symptoms, and might help you identify a few of the broken places in your life.

• Do you avoid articles or television programs that deal with abortion?
• Do you fear punishment from God?
• Do you want to keep your abortion a secret?
• Are you uncomfortable around pregnant women, baby clothes, babies or children?
• Do you worry about not being able to get pregnant when you want to?
• Have your relationships changed, especially those with the opposite sex? If so, how?
• Did you feel that abortion was your choice?

Is abortion an unforgiveable sin? Can God forgive me after having an abortion?

Abortion is not an unforgiveable sin. Yes, God can and desires to forgive a woman or man who has had or participated in an abortion.

“Do not be afraid, Draw close to my heart. There you will find the peace and happiness you seek. Jesus speaks these words to every human being in every generation. He knows well that each of us is broken by sin and burdened by selfishness and past hurts. As St. Paul has written, ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ Yet we are saved ‘by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 3:24).’

You may be thinking, ‘I don’t deserve to be forgiven. My sins are too great!’ Thankfully, God’s love is greater than all the sins of all time. Jesus offers his grace and forgiveness to every repentant heart. All we have to do is ask and begin to trust in his mercy.

As Pope John Paul II wrote: ‘No human sin can erase the mercy of God, or prevent him from unleashing all his triumphant power, if we only call upon him.’

A great 20th century apostle of Divine Mercy, St. Faustina, recorded in her Diary the consoling words of Jesus: I want ‘all souls to trust in the unfathomable abyss of My mercy, because I want to save them all.’ And He assured her that "the greater the misery of a soul, the greater its right to My mercy.’

The misery of a soul grieving from abortion calls for an outpouring of God’s mercy.”

Source: excerpt from Project Rachel Ministry brochure

Who is affected by abortion?

Mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, friends, doctors, peers, and whole communities. No one is an island; we are all connected. When one person suffers, we all suffer. The effects of abortion can have a ripple effect throughout families and communities.

Are men affected too?

Yes. Men can suffer from abortion, sometimes years after the abortion takes place. They can experience similar trauma as women because of their sense of lost fatherhood. They may regret not convincing the mother to change her mind and taking on the responsibility of fatherhood, or failed to speak up because the law and society reinforce the idea that it is only “her choice”. In some cases, they may have had no say in the abortion.

Other signs of post-abortion stress in men that may differ from women are workaholism or turning to pornography.

How can get in contact with Project Rachel Manchester?

Email: projectrachel@rcbm.org
Helpline: 603-663-0192
Website: www.catholicnh.org/project-rachel

How can I support Project Rachel Manchester?

Email: projectrachel@rcbm.org

Basic ways to get involved are:

• Community Awareness (Become a Project Rachel Advocate).
• Clergy and counselors are always needed for retreats and also for referrals.
• Become a Project Rachel Companion: we are looking for women and men to accompany women and men in their journey toward healing and peace.
• Financial support. Retreatants are sometimes unable to afford the cost of the retreats and counseling, so we are always looking for scholarship funding. If you would like to donate or arrange a fundraiser, please email us.

Interested in any of the above please contact: projectrachel@rcbm.org.