Some women attempt suicide or engage in self-mutilation, such as burning or cutting themselves. I did not feel that I deserved to be forgiven for what I had done. I wanted to be punished, and since no one punished me severely enough, I punished my own self. The retreats allow women to confront their past. Groups average 15 participants.
Participants dramatize Scripture passages that deal with condemnation and grace.
The women tell their life stories, some for the first time. They assign their aborted baby a name and write a letter to him or her. As the retreat comes to a close, a memorial service is held, giving the women a chance to grieve for the loss of their aborted child. Participantsmay invite family and friends to attend. All rights reserved.