My name is Elizabeth, I am from Atlanta. When I was a college
sophomore, I became pregnant by my boyfriend. I was in total shock when I found
out, yet I didn't think twice about not getting an abortion. I knew it was
wrong, I grew up Catholic and I knew how precious life was. However, since I
was not married and in school, I justified my actions, feeling I had no other
choice.
A friend took me to the abortion clinic. The mood of that
waiting room was depressing. I justified
what was about to happen. After all, it’s legal. Sadly, I was terribly wrong. I recall the doctor coming in. I had tears
running down my cheeks. Nobody wiped my
tears. The nurse just said, “Don't worry. It will all be over soon.” When I
woke up in recovery, I immediately experienced an overwhelming sensation of
loneliness and a great deal of physical pain.
Many years after the abortion, I started experiencing
depression and felt like I had nowhere to turn.
This unresolved grief affected my nine-year marriage in ways I did not
connect at the time. After my marriage
ended, I returned to the Catholic Church and confessed my sin for the first
time. When I heard those words, “You are Forgiven”, the enormous weight I
carried for 13 years had been lifted.
Years later, remarried and happy, I found out I was pregnant. I starting feeling remorse for the child I had
aborted. I was very anxious, consumed with fear that something would happen, as
a punishment for having aborted my first child. My son was born healthy, yet I
felt I had to be a perfect mother and I was very controlling.
Two years ago an abortion clinic opened a mile from my
house. I couldn't drive by the building without
having flashback of my abortion experience. I felt a need to help get this
place shut down and even went as far as holding a sign out in front of the
clinic. I felt like a fraud.
It was during this time that the Holy Spirit guided me to
the PATH- Post Abortion Treatment & Healing Ministry for healing. I went
through a post abortion Bible study and attended a Rachel's Vineyard. These
were life changing. Through these programs I was able to experience God’s mercy,
compassion, and healing touch.
I have found my voice and I have found healing. I am no longer afraid to say the word "abortion".
I am no longer afraid to speak the truth. I am going to be Silent no More.