Over 30 Years of Helping Women Heal
Compassionate Post-Abortion Counseling in San Diego, CA
At Rachel's Hope After Abortion Healing and Reconciliation Retreats for Catholic (or Catholic-friendly) Women, we offer a nurturing environment for women seeking healing after an abortion. Our healing retreats offer support for women like me seeking post-abortion counseling in San Diego, CA. Our goal is to help you heal where you are loved and understood.
You Are Not Alone: Hear My Story
Unplanned Circumstances
I went along with what the world told me—that it was just a cell, not a living being. It’s ironic because I thought I was being responsible, taking care of someone who wasn’t supposed to happen yet. With two kids already, and my youngest still a baby, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t think much about it—I felt it was something I had to do.
The Abortion
I remember the doctor tapping my leg and saying, “You're going to be okay, Tiger,” as if it was a loving, wonderful thing to be there. The sounds of the machines and suction were too much; I shut down and blocked it all out. It felt like a scene from a movie, blurry and dark, with people walking around. I couldn’t move or get up, and I fainted until it was all over.
The Abortion Pill
“I just felt terribly alone. I really wanted the baby but I allowed myself to be persuaded to schedule an appointment to take the RU486 abortion pill. I experienced hours of excruciating pain and a lot of bleeding”.
Unresolved Grief
Driving one day, tears streaming down my face, I heard a voice say, "Just turn the wheel right here, no one is going to care, and no one is going to miss you." I wanted to end my life. The anger, hurt, and self-disgust consumed me. Repeating to myself that I wanted to die, I felt my life unravel. I dropped out of college, had failed relationships, and lived in a mess, trying to punish myself. I was like a zombie, functioning but lifeless, endlessly searching for babies in my dreams despite having four children.
Love Breaks Through
In my darkest moment, my oldest brother found me crying in the closet and said, “I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but I’m here.” He wanted his little sister back after seven years of struggle. Talking to my priest and therapist marked the beginning of my healing. The priest absolved me of my sins and lifted a weight off my shoulders. Realizing I needed Jesus in my heart, I began searching for Him.
The Rachel’s Hope Retreat
Attending Rachel’s Hope Retreat was transformative. Learning that my feelings and thoughts were normal helped me realize I wasn’t alone. It was a healing journey of forgiveness for myself, my boyfriend, and my parents. Sharing stories and hearing others' pain allowed me to cry for my own pain and forgive myself, just as God had forgiven me.
Living with Joy
God's love offers countless ways to give back for what I've done. I realized I am not alone, and I can be happy and live guilt-free. The healing was amazing. Knowing that God loves me no matter what allowed me to see my life anew. I felt liberated from guilt and shame, and while grief remains, the guilt is gone. Now, I experience life with a renewed sense of purpose.
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Video by: Patti Mitchell