In such cases the penitent should be reminded that if she forgets the practice on a given day, this does not affect the forgiveness of her sin. Such a step can be extremely helpful for the woman and for the movement. The individual deserves careful guidance in this area, to assess what form of pro-life work she should engage in. Before speaking about her abortion, she needs to have arrived at a certain level of peace and healing, and needs to be sure that she has told the people close to her about it before she speaks publicly. One of the most powerful ways to do so is to have her name the child.
Many mothers have a sense of whether their aborted child was male or female.
Another healthy practice is that of writing a letter to the child, asking forgiveness, expressing grief and love, and looking forward to eventual reunion in the life to come. Local memorial stones to the unborn provide a validation to the grief of post-abortion women. Such stones can be given a special place on Church property. Fliers are available from the Memorial's office. It is also important for priests to know that women injured by abortion can sue to recover physical or emotional damages.