Hemline: A Post-Abortion Healing Ministry
Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well. Mark 6:56 (NKJV)
The victims of abortion are more than the unborn child; the loss affects the millions of women and men who were involved. Research suggests that more than 40 percent of women of child-bearing age have experienced the anguish of abortion.1 Statistics further reveal that abortion greatly affects women and men in the church as well. Forty-seven percent of women who have had abortions identify themselves as Protestant and 27% self identify as Catholic.2 Many women have identified themselves as evangelical or born again. The grief, trauma and pain associated with abortion remain largely unaddressed. APRC offers a program that provides the kind of help that speaks to the specific and deeply felt consequences of abortion.
Hemline
Healing and restoration are available for those who have experienced, enabled, or encouraged abortion, because Hemline offers a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment for recovery. Hemline enables those affected by a past abortion to work through the healing process and receive Christ’s grace and forgiveness. The work of healing is facilitated through the following:
- Group support throughout the restoration process
- Prayer support
- Biblical guidance through Forgiven and Set Free: A Post Abortion Bible Study
- Education about post abortion stress
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of Hemline Ministry, a program of Atlanta Pregnancy Resource Center is to offer hope and healing in Jesus Christ to individuals hurt by abortion. Through small group support utilizing the Forgiven & Set Free Bible Study, Hemline seeks to assist women in finding peace, hope and healing in the aftermath of abortion. Our foundational scripture, Mark 6:56, says of the Lord “…And as many as touched Him were made well.”
Post Abortion Stress
Post abortion stress (PAS) is the inability to resolve emotional and psychological disturbances that occur from an individual’s abortion decision or experience. Both men and women can experience PAS. Symptoms may start immediately or years later. When PAS does occur, it can be confusing, painful, and overwhelming.
Post-abortion Symptoms may include the following:
Guilt, denial, depression, anxiety, anger, feelings of loss and emptiness, difficulty with intimacy, bouts of crying, intense desire to become pregnant again, fear of future pregnancies, difficulty in bonding with children, anniversary reaction, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty in maintaining loving or trusting relationships
suicidal urges, drug/alcohol abuse, nightmares and/or sleeping disorders, flashbacks to the abortion, eating disorders, alienation from God.
If you have experienced an abortion, or you know someone who is troubled by an abortion, please call APRC at 770-723-0772. Ask to speak to someone about Hemline. All conversations and information will be kept strictly confidential.
1 The Alan Guttmacher Institute website, http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_induced_abortion.html; Facts on Induced Abortion in the United States, January 2008
2 R. Alcorn, Why Pro-Life: Caring for the Unborn and their Mothers (Oregon: Eternal Perspective Ministries, 2004), 17.