You have SUPPORT
Many women choose abortion because of financial and emotional obstacles. The good news is that all of these obstacles can be overcome, and you have a right to know how.
Programs are available through Schools, Social Services and Health Departments. Pregnancy resource centers are there to help you navigate your options.
Consider your choices:
Parenting
Marital Parenthood
Some couples who are unexpectedly pregnant choose to marry to provide a supportive environment for each other and their child. Those who are already married may seek support from family or community resources.
Partnered Parenthood
Some couples decide not to marry, and they work together to support each other and raise their child.
Single Parenthood
Many women choose single motherhood. Fathers—and even grandparents—may also choose to raise children when a woman feels she cannot accept the responsibility of motherhood.
Adoption
Birth mothers today can choose the families in which they place their children and the extent to which they have contact. Birth mothers can arrange a closed, semi-open or open adoption, depending on their level of comfort. Adoption allows women who choose not to parent a chance to pursue their unrealized dreams as well as the dreams they have for their children.
Abortion
An abortion: intending to end the life of the child, never has to happen. It is never the only option. So why do people have abortions?
There are many reasons why women or couples decide to have an abortion. An internet search will yield various results, statistics, and percentages, citing socio-economic reasons, not wanting children or any more children, fear of health risks, and many others. Abortion takes an innocent human life, and the gravity of that fact cannot be mitigated, it is important to remember that many factors can go into an abortion decision, such as fear, desperation, and ignorance (the person(s) have perhaps become convinced by others whom they trust that the preborn child is not a living human being).
For those people who wish to see Abortion, we provide the following information. This video is not pleasant, but it must be seen. Hundreds of innocent unborn children are torn to pieces every day in Canada because most people simply don't know what abortion actually does. A doctor describes four abortion procedures, covering the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.
Abortion Procedures: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Trimesters - YouTube
There are many methods of abortion used in Canada. The method used depends mainly on the stage of the pregnancy and the size of the developing fetus. Other factors considered include the status of the woman’s health, personal preference, and where the abortion will occur.
Included in the following section are the methods reportedly used in Canada, however, abortion methods are incomplete in statistical data. Because recording and reporting of abortions in Canada is inconsistent and incomplete, it is unclear exactly how many abortions occur nationally by each method listed below.
Suction Aspiration (surgical aspiration, vacuum abortion, suction dilation and curettage (D&C))
Menstrual Aspiration (menstrual extraction, manual aspiration)
Dilation and Evacuation
Dilation and Extraction (D&X) (intact D&E, partial birth abortion)
Surgical Dilatation and Curettage (D&C)
Hysterotomy and Hysterectomy
Medical Abortion Methods
Methotrexate and Vaginal or Oral Misoprostol
Misoprostol
Labor Induction Methods (instillation methods)
Surgical abortion
Surgical abortion refers to abortion done using surgical instruments. Procedures vary due to the stage of the pregnancy and size of the fetus at the time of the abortion.
Suction Aspiration (surgical aspiration, vacuum abortion, suction dilation and curettage (D&C)
Suction aspiration was the method used for approximately 90% of all abortions reported in Canada, and is generally used between six and 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Suction curettage can be done under general anesthetic, but is usually done in a clinic with local anesthetic injected into the cervix to control pain. The cervix is forced open with a compressed seaweed preparation called laminaria that swells as moisture is absorbed, or a series of rigid rods. Sometimes the prostaglandin Misoprostol is used to soften the cervix and make it easier to dilate.
A hollow plastic tube is inserted into the uterus through the cervix and attached to a suction machine. The suction tears the fetus into small parts, which are sucked through the tube into a collection bottle. Often a sharp loop-shaped knife called a curette is then inserted into the uterus to loosen any remaining tissue so that it can be suctioned out. When the suctioning is finished, the abortionist must examine the fetal parts and tissue to see if the abortion is complete.
Menstrual Aspiration (menstrual extraction, manual aspiration)
Less than 1% of abortions reported in Canada used this method. Before abortion was legalized, the term 'menstrual extraction' was used to disguise the performance of an early suction abortion up to seven weeks' gestation, sometimes even before a pregnancy was confirmed. The term is misleading, since either the embryo (if the woman is pregnant), or the uterine lining (if she is not pregnant) is suctioned out. Currently, menstrual aspiration refers to an early abortion from three to 10 weeks’ gestation, using a syringe for suction. A thin hollow tube is inserted into the slightly dilated cervix. The tube is attached to a large syringe and the embryo is suctioned out.9,10
Statistics are not clear on how many D&E abortions occur in Canada each year. At least 11% of abortions in Canada occurred after 13 weeks’ gestation. In the U.S., the majority of abortions that occur after 13 weeks are performed using a variation of this method.
D&E abortion refers to an abortion done using forceps to dismember and extract the fetus instead of, or together with, suction. In reality, a combination of methods is generally used in abortion after 13 weeks. As the fetus grows larger and its bones become harder, the fetus becomes more difficult to extract. The cervix must be opened wider, and the head of the fetus is large and must be crushed before it can be removed. Bone fragments are sharp and must be carefully removed to avoid damage to the uterus and cervix. The fetal parts removed must be identified to make sure the abortion is complete and no parts are left in the uterus. Suction is used for a final clean out of any bits of fetal or placental tissue that may remain.
Sometimes medications such as digoxin or potassium chloride are injected into the fetus through the woman’s abdomen, to kill it before the D&E procedure.
After 19 to 20 weeks, a solution of urea or saline is sometimes injected into the amniotic sac before the abortion. This kills the fetus and stimulates contractions. Urea also begins the breakdown of fetal bones and other tissue to make removal of the parts easier for the abortionist and less painful for the mother. Oxytocin may be used to stimulate contractions and bring about delivery of the fetus.
Dilation and Extraction (D&X) (intact D&E, partial birth abortion)
There are no laws in Canada restricting abortion. Since abortion reporting and recording is inconsistent and incomplete across Canada, it is not known if, or how many, abortions occur by this method in Canada each year.
D&X abortion is a variation of the D&E method, and is used after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Laminaria treatment over several days causes wide cervical dilation. The abortionist, guided by ultrasound, uses forceps to grasp the fetus and position it face down and feet first. The fetus, intact and often still alive at this point, is delivered up to the head. The head is too big to pass through the cervix. After puncturing the base of the skull, the brain is suctioned out, the skull collapses, and the dead fetus is delivered. Digoxin, potassium chloride, saline or urea are sometimes used to kill the fetus before delivery.
Surgical Dilatation and Curettage (D&C)
Approximately 6% of abortions reported in Canada used this method.
Local or general anesthetic is given to the mother before her cervix is dilated. The cervix is dilated with laminaria or rigid dilators; sometimes, the prostaglandin Misoprostol is also given to soften and dilate the cervix.
A loop-shaped knife called a curette is inserted through the cervix. The curette cuts the fetus and its placenta from the uterine wall and breaks it up. Then the fetal parts and the placenta are scraped out of the uterus through the cervix and discarded.
Hysterotomy and Hysterectomy
Hysterotomy refers to a caesarean delivery as an abortion method. The woman’s abdomen and uterus are opened surgically. The fetus is lifted out, the placenta is delivered and the umbilical cord is clamped. If no chemical has been injected to kill the fetus prior to this point, the fetus is often still alive. Hysterotomy is sometimes used in situations where there is a uterine abnormality, which would make the more common abortion methods difficult or impossible.
Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. When used as abortion methods, these procedures have a higher risk of major complications and death than any other method.
There were no reports of either method being used for abortion in 2004 in Canada.
Medical Abortion
In Canada prior to 2017, approximately 3% of reported abortions were done using pharmaceutical drugs, although with the advent of the abortion drug RU486 that percentage is likely much higher. Since the abortion drug called Mifegymiso was made available in 2017, 45,363 prescription claims were made between August 10, 2017 and December 31, 2020 in Ontario alone.
Medical abortion is considered successful if complete expulsion of the embryo and placenta occurs without the need for surgery to complete the abortion.
Medical abortion is not commonly recommended in pregnancies past the first 49-63 days because of the increase in incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged uterine bleeding and ongoing pregnancy past this stage.23 When severe bleeding or pain is present, surgical techniques are used to complete the abortion.
Medical abortion takes longer than surgical abortion, is less effective, and requires more clinic visits. Medical abortion results in heavier, more prolonged bleeding, and more pain, nausea and vomiting than surgical abortion.26 Medical abortion has a 10 fold greater risk of serious infection and death than surgical (suction curettage) abortion.
Medical abortion is preferred over surgical abortion by some women because of its effectiveness in early pregnancy, or because it does not require anesthetics or use of surgical instruments. Other women prefer it because it is more private and possibly more accessible, and because it may more closely resemble natural miscarriage.
Most medical abortions involve the use of a combination of drugs that work together to bring about the abortion over a period of a number of days or weeks.
Methotrexate and Vaginal or Oral Misoprostol
In Canada, prior to access to Mifegymiso or the RU486 drug, methotrexate and misoprostol were used together for medical abortion up to 49 days of pregnancy.
Methotrexate breaks down the cell layer that attaches the embryo to the wall of the uterus, depriving the embryo of essential nutrients and resulting in its death.
Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin that causes the cervix to soften and dilate,34, 35 and the uterus to contract and expel the embryo or fetus.
Abortion with methotrexate and misoprostol required several clinic visits. During the first visit, methotrexate is injected, followed at 2-7 days with misoprostol pills at home or at a clinic, either inserted into the vagina or taken by mouth. A follow-up visit was required after 1 to 3 weeks to determine if the abortion has occurred.
The methotrexate and misoprostol abortion regimen causes complete abortion in 70-97% of cases.43 While most of the abortions occur within the first hours or days after taking the misoprostol, 20 to 35% will take up to several weeks.44 ,45 A surgical abortion is scheduled to complete the abortion if it has not occurred by that point because the drugs used can cause birth defects.
Side effects of medical abortion using methotrexate and misoprostol include: significant cramping pain and heavy bleeding during the abortion, along with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills; prolonged bleeding for one to seven weeks afterwards, and infection; birth defects if the pregnancy is ongoing and the fetus survives.
Misoprostol
Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin that causes the cervix to soften and dilate, and the uterus to contract and expel the embryo or fetus.
Misoprostol is used vaginally in abortions up to 56 days since the first day of the last menstrual period.
When used alone, Misoprostol causes complete abortion in 22-94% of cases.
Early side effects are worse with this method than with other methods of medical abortion, and include pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills and rashes. Heavy and prolonged bleeding and infection are associated with medical abortion in general. Misoprostol is generally used with another drug because of the higher incidence of side effects and lower rate of effectiveness when it is used alone.
Misoprostol is commonly used in surgical abortions as well, to soften and dilate the cervix, and to reduce bleeding.
Mifepristone and Misoprostol
Mifepristone, also known as RU-486 and patented as Mifesgymiso in Canada today, used together with misoprostol is the most commonly used medical abortion combination worldwide.
Mifepristone is now approved for abortion in Canada. In 2001, the only Canadian trial of Mifepristone was stopped after the death of a woman from toxic shock brought on by a bacterial infection related to her abortion;64 similar deaths were recorded elsewhere.
Mifepristone causes abortion by blocking the action of progesterone. Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for implantation and is essential for maintenance of the pregnancy. Progesterone also suppresses uterine contractions. However, the action of Mifepristone can be reversed with a high dose of progesterone.
Mifepristone causes the uterine lining to break down, resulting in detachment of the embryo from its source of nutrition. It causes the cervix to soften and dilate. It also makes the body release prostaglandins and increases the effects of these prostaglandins in causing the uterus to contract.
Mifepristone/misoprostol abortions are quicker than methotrexate/misoprostol abortions. Both regimens have similar rates of complete abortion, side effects and complications. Serious infection and heavy, prolonged bleeding are the most notable side effects, along with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache.
Labor induction methods (instillation methods)
In Canada less than 1% of reported abortions used labor induction methods, such as instillation of saline, urea or prostaglandin solutions into the amniotic sac.
Saline abortion
Saline abortion refers to the injection of a concentrated salt solution into the amniotic sac through the mother’s abdomen. The solution burns and kills the fetus, stops placental functioning, and stimulates labor.
Saline abortions are no longer in Canada, due to maternal deaths and a high level of side effects.
Urea
No urea abortions were reported in Canada.75 Although urea instillation abortions are safer than saline abortions, the abortion takes a long time to occur. Urea is sometimes used in D&E abortions to kill the fetus and soften its bones to make it easier to remove.7
Prostaglandins
Less than 1% of reported abortions in Canada were listed as prostaglandin abortions.78 Prostaglandins can be injected into the amniotic sac or taken by the mother to induce abortion. However, due to a high rate of side effects, as well as cases of temporary fetal survival, this is not a common abortion method. Sometimes saline or urea are injected into the amniotic sac to ensure the fetus will be dead when it is delivered, or the fetus is killed by an injection of potassium chloride or digoxin into the fetal heart or amniotic sac.
Other reported methods
In addition to the methods listed above, there are other methods of abortion infrequently used in Canada. Combinations of the above methods may also be listed under “Other” in statistical reports.
Post Abortion Help
About one third of pregnancies in Canada end in abortion. We don't really have good enough statistics to know how many women that represents, but obviously post-abortive women are a significant proportion of the population.
If you are a post-abortive woman, you are not alone. And if you have never been personally involved in an abortion, it's probable that you know and love people who have been.
Unfortunately, many people suffering regret or grief over an abortion feel isolated and unable to communicate that grief even to their loved ones. The resources on this page provide spiritual, emotional, and psychological help for those suffering from the pain of an abortion.
After Abortion -Post Abortion Grief
Elliot Institute - The web's most complete source of information on the after effects of abortion and post-abortion healing. They have over 500 hundred links to thousands of pages of original research, testimonies, articles, and resources. Most of these are drawn from articles and books published by the Elliot Institute, one of the United States' leading authorities on post-abortion issues.
Voices Who Mourn - Feminists for Life's publication for women who want to openly mourn their abortions.
Local Support
Project Rachel
Project Rachel is an international healing ministry to those who have been involved in an abortion. The program is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, but has counsellors from many faith backgrounds to assist you in your healing process.
Project Rachel Edmonton - (780) 424-4538
Project Rachel Lloydminster (780) 871-3584
N.B. Edmonton Prolife is not affiliated with Project Rachel. The information here is reproduced from their pamphlet, as they do not have a local website.
Have you or a loved one been hurt by an abortion experience?
Without a doubt, abortion is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can have.
Both before and after abortion, feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, panic, and pressure are common - not only for the woman who undergoes the abortion but also for the father of the unborn child, the grandparents, close friends, and even medical personnel.
For some, the pain can be intensified by a sense of alienation from God and church.
If you are in this position you want you to know that the Christian community understands and cares. As ministers of the loving and forgiving Christ, we reach out to you in compassion and concern.
Above all, we want to help you through the healing process. Catholic Social Services, the Redemptorist Centre for Growth, and the Family Enrichment Centre invite you to participate in Project Rachel - a post-abortion program offered by certified counsellors and trained priests and ministers who are ready to help all who have been involved in an abortion.
About Project Rachel...
Project Rachel is a ministry of reconciliation and healing for women and men who have had a past abortion experience. It seeks to engage all whose lives have been touched by the loss of a child through abortion. For some, the choice of having an abortion has left them feeling that they are no longer welcome in their worshipping community, and are perhaps even beyond God's love and mercy. For others, having to live with the choices made by a loved one is a source of great pain, profound loss, or even anger. For many, abortion is a source of grief and regret. Project Rachel seeks to invite all those whose lives have been affected by abortion to a journey of healing and reconciliation with God and their church community.
What Can You Expect?
Project Rachel is a sensitive, private, and confidential experience.
It begins with a call to the Project Rachel confidential phone line. A staff member will then refer you to a certified counsellor and/or a member of the clergy in you area. For Catholics, the Sacrament of Reconciliation can be a powerful part of this healing journey.
Project Rachel provides an opportunity for you to receive the healing grace of God and to move forward in a caring and hope-filled atmosphere toward reconciliation - with yourself, your unborn child, your church, and your God.
To initiate your participation in Project Rachel, or get further information, call: (780) 424-4538
Symptoms of Post-Abortion Syndrome
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Depression
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Eating and sleeping disorders
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Flashbacks
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Loss of self-esteem
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Nightmares
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Spiritual divorce from God
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Self-blame
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Anger
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Denial
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Guilt
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Prolonged grief
Rachel's Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer you a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.
For further information about retreats in the Edmonton area, contact Jennifer 780-963-4048 - jensbranches@live.ca, or Marlene Javorsky - javofarms@gmail.com.
The Abortion Recovery Centre offers counselling for post-abortive women. The centre is an arm of the Pregnancy Care Centre which is a non profit, faith based organization.
"In order to address the specific needs of individuals impacted by their abortion experience, the Pregnancy Care Centre has responded to the need of these individuals by “creating” this new website and developing new materials for both individual and group settings."
Canada Silent No More is a national campaign of Post-Abortive women reaching out to other women who regret their abortions and have been hurt physically, emotionally or spiritually because of it.
Online Resources
Hope After Abortion -Project Rachel's Online Resources site, with stories of healing and spiritual resources. It's normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, including the loss of a child by abortion. It can form a hole in one's heart, a hole so deep that sometimes it seems nothing can fill the emptiness.You are not alone...
How To Talk To A Friend Who's Had An Abortion
"Almost everyone knows someone who’s had an abortion. Many people know someone personally who is suffering because of an abortion. If a friend confided in you tomorrow that she had an abortion, would you be able to respond in a way that brings her closer to healing?"
Healing After Abortion- Afterabortion.org's page on post-abortion healing. The most complete source of information on the web. After Abortion, 'Life after abortion: News, opinion, personal experience, resources' is to my knowledge the most welcoming, helpful site on the internet for both the post-abortive woman and the person who wishes to learn more about the hurt of abortion. It's a 'blog' (a frequently updated site where one can interact with others in discussion about the entries) run by two women who have had abortions. Its best aspect is that the webmistresses, Emily and Annie, maintain a peaceful, charitable atmosphere where no one is mocked or made to feel attacked.
Post-Abortion Healing For Men
MAN - The Men and Abortion Network seeks to promote emotional healing for men who have lost a child to abortion, and to create awareness among the counseling community, the pro-life movement and society as a whole regarding the impact of abortion on millions of these hurting fathers.
Recommended Books
(And How To Find Them)
Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion
Theresa Burke with David C. Reardon
Forbidden Grief is a compelling, haunting review of Dr. Theresa Burke's experience in counselling hundreds of women for abortion-related emotional problems. Dr. Burke exposes the obstacles in the way of post-abortion healing, reviews the full range and depth of post-abortion adjustment problems, and illustrates how we can create a more understanding and healing society where women will no longer be required to hide their pain.
It's time to listen and help.
Learn the secrets that women who have had abortions tell only to their therapists, but want everyone to understand.
Understand how traumatic abortion experiences can be re-enacted through repeat pregnancies, multiple abortions, substance abuse, eating disorders, and broken relationships.
Discover how to help loved ones—or yourself—take the steps needed to find healing and joy.
Learn to Look Deeper.
Abortion causes conflict. It fragments political parties, churches, schools, and neighbourhoods. It divides families. Husband against wife. Mother against daughter. Sister against sister.
These conflicts reflect the discord that also occurs within individuals. After abortion, many women face a daily internal battle between condemning and defending themselves.
Psychotherapist Theresa Burke, Ph.D., has specialized in treating women struggling with post-abortion issues through individual counselling and group therapy sessions since 1986. Many of the women she treated had been rebuffed by other therapists who would not believe their abortions had caused such trauma. Others came to her because their family and friends refused to acknowledge the reality of their grief.
In Forbidden Grief, Dr. Burke explores the cultural and psychological obstacles to post-abortion healing. She examines why friends and families erect walls of silence around a loved one's grief and reveals how we can and should listen to those who are struggling with past abortions.
Drawing on the experience and insights of hundreds of her clients, Dr. Burke shows how repressed feelings may be acted out through self-destructive behavior, broken relationships, obsessions, eating disorders, parenting difficulties, and other emotional or behavioural problems.
Forbidden Grief also explains how to help loved ones, or yourself, simply by better understanding the nature and origin of unresolved abortion issues—and what steps will help you find healing. You'll also learn about the most up-to-date research on abortion problems, and the inside story of the fight within the psychiatric community over recognizing post-abortion trauma.
Read the introduction here. Theresa Burke is the founder of Rachel's Vineyard, an international organization that facilitates retreat weekends for post-abortive women. Check the Calendar of Events for the next Rachel's Vineyard retreat in Edmonton.
This book can be borrowed from the Edmonton Prolife office or through The Alberta Library Online.
Or you can buy it from the publisher. Ordering information here.
A Solitary Sorrow: Finding Healing & Wholeness After Abortion
Teri and Dr. Paul Reisser
Review first published in the Post Abortion Review:
This book addresses the issue of post-abortion trauma in a clear, easy-to-read, and yet compelling fashion. Terri Reisser, a marriage and family therapist who has counseled many post-abortive women, has written a book that not only tackles the topic of post-abortion healing but also explores issues like the symptoms of post-abortion trauma and the social stigma surrounding abortion itself. Her thorough treatment of these issues makes this book an invaluable resource for post-abortive women seeking to understand and overcome their pain.
A Solitary Sorrow is divided into two parts. Part one explains post-abortion trauma and why it is so difficult to find healing. Reisser explains the symptoms of post-abortion trauma and the five stages of grieving that most women face after abortion. She describes what happens when a woman gets "trapped" in one stage of this process, such as denial or numbing, and why it is important to resolve and move beyond it.
In the second part, "The Healing Journey," Reisser illustrates the healing process by taking us through what would be a typical course followed by one of her support groups. In order to give readers a better understanding of this process, Reisser drew on the experiences of four women from her groups, recording their reflections and reactions at each stage of the healing process. Each chapter in this section covers various issues tackled in the group, such as facing a past abortion, dealing with guilt and forgiveness, releasing anger, mourning one's loss and finally, moving on from the abortion.
The"Moving On" chapter includes a list of questions to help the woman in post-abortion counselling identify and evaluate the work she has accomplished so that she will be better able to understand where she is in her healing journey. This chapter also offers insight on how to deal with recurring memories or negative emotions that might crop up even after one has "achieved" post-abortion healing. Reisser reassures women that post-abortion healing is an ongoing process and that such feelings are normal and can be handled.
Other issues addressed in the book are post-abortion healing for teens, the effects of abortion on marriages, and issues related to deciding how and when to tell loved ones about a past-abortion. Especially welcome is a section on how to help a friend or loved one who has had an abortion but is unable or unwilling to talk about it.
A Solitary Sorrow is not a complete post-abortion "workbook," and those who are struggling with unresolved post-abortion issues should contact one of the ministries listed in the appendix for further counselling. However, this thoughtful and sensitive book will help women better understand their post-abortion pain and encourage them to break the silence about their "solitary sorrow."
Review originally published in The Post-Abortion Review, Vol. 9, No. 2, April-June 2001. Copyright 2001, Elliot Institute. The Elliot Institute is the web's most complete source of information on the aftereffects of abortion and post-abortion healing, https://afterabortion.org/.
This book can be borrowed from the Edmonton Prolife office.
Or you can buy it from Amazon by following this link.
Forgiven of Murder: A True Story
Denise Mountenay
Denise Mountenay has some powerfully heartfelt things to say about abortion. Raped at the tender age of 13, she fell into a life of alcohol and drug abuse. And she used abortion as a form of birth control. When the miracle of Christ presented itself to her, Mountenay's life changed forever. Forgiven of Murder...A True Story recounts her epiphany and the inner peace and strength it has brought her. Not simply for pro-lifers, this book is a must read for anyone involved in the abortion debate or considering abortion.
“Passion is a compelling and beautiful quality in story telling. ‘FORGIVEN of murder’ is packed with passion and it holds an important vision. Denise’s true life drama of being on the front lines of the abortion debate is authentic and gripping. An important book to understand the dilemma of choice and the future of the unborn.” Lorna Dueck Host of 100 Huntley Street and Listen Up TV.
“Denise’s book, ‘Forgiven of murder...A True Story’ is a transparent account of Denise’s own struggles with abortion in the past and a convincing argument for the cause against abortion." Dick & Joan Dewert, Founders/President of The Miracle Channel.
This book can be borrowed from the Edmonton Prolife Office, or through The Alberta Library Online.
Or you can buy it from Amazon by following this link.
Aborted Women: Silent No More
David C. Reardon
A comprehensive review of the aftereffects of abortion, this book documents:
The physical aftereffects of abortion
The psychological aftereffects of abortion
Characteristics of high-risk abortion patients
Post-abortion conversion and reconciliation patterns
Complete testimonies of 20 aborted women
A detailed national survey of 252 aborted women
It is a definitive work. Focus On The Family's CITIZEN magazine calls it the "standard reference book on post-abortion problems." Booklist, the professional librarian's buying guide, rates it "highly recommended." Librarian's World recommends it as "an excellent resource recommended for all libraries." Pro-life reviewers are even less restrained:
"Deeply researched...powerful analysis...thoroughly readable." - Fidelity
"Moving, thoughtful, and informative." - Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, Author
"An exposé of the unscrupulous abortion merchants."- Cal Thomas, syndicated columnist
"Cuts through platitudes...gives exploited women a voice."- National Catholic Reporter
"Do yourself a favor and buy this book."- Dr. Wanda Franz, President, National Right to Life
"Well-written, informative, powerful and in the end hopeful." - Voices in the Wilderness
This book can be borrowed from the Edmonton Prolife Office or from the University of Alberta Libraries or through The Alberta Library Online.
Also recommended is David Reardon's Elliot Institute site, the web's most complete source of information on the aftereffects of abortion and post-abortion healing, https://afterabortion.org/.
Or you can buy it from Amazon by following this link.
Infertility and Treatment
"Infertility" is a condition found in a marriage. IVF doesn't and can't "cure" the pathology underlying a couple's infertility. IVF is really a "response to a desire" rather than the "cure of a disease." While no one should doubt the innate goodness of every infertile married couple's heartfelt desire to have children of their own, there are several basic moral principles that we must keep in mind. IVF involves the destruction of embryos, vulnerable human lives. "Leftover" embryos are first frozen and then often abandoned and left to slowly disintegrate over time, or may be given away for experimental purposes - never does the end justify the means.
NaProTechnology (Natural Procreative Technology) is a system of medical science that devotes medical and surgical resources to cooperating with the natural procreative mechanisms and functions of the human reproductive system.
Fertility Care Program
NaProTECHNOLOGY® (NPT) is a major breakthrough in monitoring, treating and maintaining a woman’s reproductive and gynecological health. NaProTECHNOLOGY® offers new hope for couples with infertility; it is nearly three times more successful than IVF, it is inexpensive and uses a step ladder approach to dealing with infertility. This new health science approaches women as whole persons and maintains the dignity of the couple. NPT works cooperatively with the body’s natural reproductive cycle. It doesn’t suppress the body’s reproductive system but instead enhances its function by thoroughly evaluating and treating the underlying problems.
The Marguerite Bourgeoys Centre uses the work of Dr. Hilgers and his team from Creighton University who have developed a highly accurate, medically safe and natural way to understand and regulate fertility and to properly diagnose and treat fertility problems. This method does not use drugs that supress or harm the natural fertility cycle.
Hilgers describes NaProTECHNOLOGY® – Natural Procreative Technology – as “a union of education and technology in a way which allows us to evaluate and treat a whole host of women’s health problems, which does not use contraception, sterilization, abortion or other artificial reproductive technologies, and is thus completely consistent with Catholic teaching.”
What makes NaProTECHNOLOGY® medically different from modern, contemporary reproductive medicine is the fact that it doesn’t just treat women’s health problems, such as premenstrual syndrome and infertility, but it gets to the underlying causes of those problems. That happens by targeting a woman’s menstrual cycle.
FertilityCare™ System
Natural fertility treatment should be considered as an option not just by Catholics and Christians but also by society as a whole. The FertilityCare™ method is ethical, inexpensive and healthy. As couples are encouraged to work together in tracking and recording the woman’s fertility cycle, the experience can enrich a relationship. The divorce rate amongst users is approximately 1% compared to 50% of those who use the contraceptive pill.
To find out more visit http://www.fertilitycare.ca/
More information is available on-line through the American Academy of Fertility Care Professionals at https://aafcp.net/
Pregnancy Help
When you're faced with an unexpected or difficult pregnancy, it's easy to feel isolated. Sometimes abortion feels like the only choice possible.
Thankfully, there's a local support network of people who are ready to extend concrete, practical help to women in difficult pregnancy situations.
There is also online information about pregnancy, a baby's development within the womb, and options for dealing with difficult or crisis pregnancies.
24 Hour Crisis Pregnancy Line
Need to talk to someone right now?
Even if it's the middle of the night, there's a volunteer standing by at this toll-free number.
Ph: 1-800-712-4357
Online Pregnancy Information & Support
Stand Up Girl - Website & Forum
Fetal Development Information
3D/4D Ultrasound Pictures - Avoid 3D and 4D imaging, as amazing ultrasound pictures and videos of the unborn child are, viewing them with these methods can cause harm.
In The Womb - National Geographic's groundbreaking documentary about life before birth. With clips from the documentary, pictures of life in the womb, and articles about the advances in understanding pre-natal life. (The full DVD can be borrowed from Edmonton Prolife.)
The Back Porch - The Back Porch is a pregnancy resource centre that offers information to women and men considering all of their pregnancy options.
BeNotAfraid.Net - For Parents Facing a Difficult Diagnosis
MOTHERISK - Treating the Mother, Protecting the Unborn
There are two main Walk In or Appointment pregnancy crisis centres in Edmonton - the Gianna Centre and the Pregnancy Care Centre.
They offer many of the same services, and will refer you to other services/organizations as your situation calls for.
The local pregnancy crisis centres are not medical clinics, though they can do simple pregnancy tests.
Follow the links below for details about the services they offer.
Gianna Centre
9040 - 95 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6C 1Z3.
Ph: 780-482-5111
Email: giannacentre@cssalberta.ca
https://www.cssalberta.ca/Our-Ministries/Pregnancy-Counselling-Support
The Gianna Centre is a ministry of Catholic Social Services, but serves people of all faiths. Their policy is only to present religious information if you ask for it.
Edmonton Pregnancy Care Centre
10434 - 122 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5N 1M3
Ph: (780) 424-2624; Text: 587-402-5860
Email: info@pregnancycarecentre.ca
TF: 1-877-424-2685 (outside the Edmonton area)
https://www.pregnancycarecentre.ca/
The Pregnancy Care Centre is an initiative of Protestant Christian volunteers. Volunteers may share information about their Christian faith, but their services are open to people of all faiths regardless.
Other Pregnancy Crisis Centres In Alberta (on the home page of this website, go to the blue circle that says "24 hour Crisis Pregnancy Line" and click on "Read more" to find info on other Pregnancy Crisis Centres in Alberta)
Edmonton isn't the only place in Alberta with pregnancy crisis centres. This list is always being updated. Let us know if you have a crisis pregnancy centre in your community, we will list it here.
Amaris adoption and family support services
Are you pregnant and wanting to ask some questions about making an adoption plan? Contact Amaris Adoption and family support services:
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Call 403-256-3224
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Call 1-877-256-3224 Toll free
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Email: info@amarisadoption.com/