Post Abortion Healing
Women (and men) often carry the burden of abortion for years and even decades. Feelings of regret, remorse, depression and anxiety are common expressions among those who have gone through an abortion. You are not alone or the only one experiencing this.
- Project Rachel — is a confidential ministry of hope and healing for those suffering from an abortion experience. There is healing and forgiveness available through our integrated network of resources. If you are someone you know is need of help, please contact us at 203.416.1619 or projectrachel@diobpt.org. All correspondence is confidential.
- Elliot Institute — is a national non-profit organization dedicated to research, education and outreach regarding the effects of abortion on woman, men, families and society.
- Entering Canaan Ministry — minsters to women, men, and siblings on their journey to healing from the pain, isolation and silent suffering of abortion to the freedom of forgiveness, healing and peace through Christ.
Adverse Prenatal Diagnosis
Among the most devastating news parents can receive is their unborn child has a serious medical condition. The medical community often tells the expectant parents their unborn baby is “incompatible with life” or will live a life of suffering. Receiving this upsetting news, parents are often given the recommendation to “terminate” the pregnancy and do it as quickly as possible. Families are pressed to make a difficult decision and not given enough time to think the decision through or seek help and support. Here are some resources that can assist and offer hope in these situations.
- Be Not Afraid — is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive, practical, and peer-based support to parents experiencing a prenatal diagnosis.
- Isaiah’s Promise — is a non-profit organization that offers support for families choosing to carry their baby to term after a severe or fatal prenatal diagnosis.
- Prenatal Partners for Life — is a group that offers support by connecting parents facing and adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. Other resources include adoption agencies that link families who want to adopt special needs children.
Unexpected Pregnancy Help
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming and scary. You are not alone. There are programs and resources throughout Fairfield County and Connecticut that can offer you help and support through this journey.
- Walking with Moms in Need
- Birthright International — services include love, friendship and support to those who find themselves facing an unexpected pregnancy. Several locations based throughout Fairfield County offer information, resources and free referrals.
- Carolyn’s Place — is a ministry committed to empowering individuals through education, comfort and assistance to make life choices consistent with the sanctity of human life.
- Hopeline Pregnancy Resource Center — offers free and confidential services that include ultrasound, pregnancy testing, counseling and referrals.
- Malta House — provides a nurturing home environment, support services and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers and their children.
- Sisters of Life Pregnancy Help — The Sisters of Life’s Visitation Mission is one of love to vulnerable and pregnant women. They provide emotional and practical resources to women to allow them to respond with courage to one of life’s most difficult moments.
End-of-Life Issues
Facing medical decisions whether for you or a loved one is overwhelming, challenging and stressful. How do we know what the best decision are and if they align with Church teachings? Finding answers can be difficult and we hope the below resources will help. Please contact our office if you need further assistance.
- National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) — is a nationally known program offering consultation, resources and education to laity, clergy, the medical and scientific medical communities seeking assistance on Catholic teachings and medical issues.
- End of Life Resources — is an online resource that offers Catholic’s moral clarity and guidance on the Church’s teachings regarding end-of-life decision making.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Activities — many resources on Church teachings, documents and information can be found on the USCCB Pro-Life Activities website.
Church Teachings
Understanding our faith, knowing why the Church teaches what she does helps us to be better formed so that not only will we continue to be transformed but so we can transform others by being the example of Christ.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Activities — many resources on Church teachings, documents and information can be found on the USCCB Pro-Life Activities website.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church — is an excellent resource to read about all Church teachings including life issues.
- Encyclicals like Humane Vitae by Pope Paul VI or Evangelium Vitae by Pope John Paul II are also good resources.
