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Intention

To pray for those hurting as a result of abortion, that they come to Jesus for healing.

Scripture

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed him stricken,

Smitten by God and afflicted.

But He was pierced for our transgressions;

He was crushed for our iniquities;

Upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

And with his wounds we are healed.”

– Isaiah 53:4–5

Reflection

Around the middle of 2023, I was researching what counselling was available in my hometown of Darwin for women who had had an abortion.

On asking one very experienced counsellor if they did post-abortion counselling, I was told that it was better not to use the term “post-abortion counselling” as this would raise red flags in the industry. The accepted term, I found out, is “disenfranchised grief” counselling.

The website “What’s Your Grief” quotes Ken Doka’s definition of disenfranchised grief as being “grief that people experience when they incur a loss that cannot be openly acknowledged, socially sanctioned, or publicly mourned.”

Abortion fits this category, especially if the woman chose it herself.

One young woman told me that she had had an abortion after being told that the foetus was “just a lump of cells”. After the abortion, she “just knew” that that wasn’t true.

Another young woman told me that as a young pregnant teenager, her mother had whisked her off for an abortion. It all happened very fast, and she just did what she was told. But there has not been a day since that she hasn’t thought about that child.

That’s only two of many such stories from women – and men – who have experienced ongoing guilt and grief as the result of an abortion. Their experience testifies against the current dominant narrative that abortion is a “safe option” and a “right”.

These people need healing. The first steps toward that healing are safe spaces and safe people to tell their stories to.

I thank God for the brave people who are speaking out about abortion and the realities of what actually happens in that (culturally and legally endorsed) space. I also thank God for churches mobilising themselves to become “Houses of Refuge” and for the life-affirming early pregnancy services across Australia.

To those hurting as a result of abortion, I say, “Healing is available for you. Jesus came to comfort you in your grief. He knows you are hurting.”

To the Church, I say, “Let’s recognise the silent epidemic around us and be part of the answer for these women, men, and families that are hurting.”

Video

Prayer

Father,

Your children are hurting. Many think that you are angry at them.

Heal their pain and let them know they are not alone, they are loved and cherished and they are FORGIVEN.

Bring them to wholeness, and in their wholeness, may they be a voice and an instrument of healing for others who have walked this road. 

Amen.

Prayer Points

• Healing for those families affected by abortion.
• Churches trained and equipped to be those “safe places” and “safe people”.
• Churches plugging into restored life programs.
• Men ‘getting on board’ for those men who are hurting as a result of abortion.
• The mind, heart and faith of Jesus manifesting in our churches.

Author Bio

Trish Davis has lived in Darwin for 30 years and attends Glory City Church, which is also a House of Refuge.

She wants to see people healed and knowing and enjoying how much their Heavenly Father loves them.

Prayer Points and Purpose for 21 Days for Life 2025

1. That the Church unifies in prayer and advocacy for the unborn.

2. That Australians will vote according to the defence of LIFE in upcoming elections.

3. That the federal Babies Born Alive Bill be passed with no more delay.

4. That every church across Australia becomes a House of Refuge.

5. That walks for life to defend life in the womb flourish in every state and territory.