Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life):
"I would like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may
have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The
wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to
discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly."
"If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to
give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You will come to understand that nothing is definitely
lost and you will also be able to ask forgiveness from your child, who is now living in the Lord."
"With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be
among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth
of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become
promoters of a new way of looking at human life."
-- Pope John Paul II
The above is an excerpt from the Encyclical letter of Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) 1995, #99
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