If You Are Considering an Abortion

A Catholic Call to Courage, Truth, and Protection of Life

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If you have had an abortion.

Please Pause for a Moment

If you are considering abortion, it is likely because you are overwhelmed.

You may feel:

•   Afraid

•   Pressured

•   Alone

•   Ashamed

•   Trapped

•   Uncertain about the future

These feelings are real. But they must not be the ones making the decision.

This moment matters—not only for you, but for a life that depends entirely on your choice.

What the Church Teaches — Clearly and Without Apology

The Church teaches that human life is sacred from the moment of conception.

This means:

•   A new, unique human life already exists

•   That life is innocent and defenseless

•   It has dignity that does not depend on circumstance

Abortion is the direct and intentional killing of an innocent human being.

For this reason, abortion is always gravely wrong.

This teaching is not political. It is not negotiable. It is rooted in truth about what human life is.

Why This Teaching Is So Serious

Abortion is not merely a private decision.

It:

•   Ends an innocent life

•   Violates the most basic duty to protect the vulnerable

•   Leaves lasting moral and emotional wounds

•   Cannot be undone

No difficulty—financial, relational, medical, or emotional—changes the nature of the act.

A hard situation does not make an unjust act just.

Fear and Pressure Do Not Make Abortion Right

Many abortions occur not out of freedom, but out of pressure.

Pressure can come from:

•   A partner

•   Parents or family

•   Financial fear

•   Career or academic concerns

•   Cultural messages

•   Isolation

When pressure is intense, it can feel urgent to “make it stop.” But abortion does not resolve the underlying fears or difficulties—it adds a new and irreversible harm.

You deserve support, not haste. You deserve support, not an irreversible act presented as “the only option.”

Do Not Rely on the Thought: “God Will Forgive Me Later”

This must be said honestly and carefully.

God is merciful—but mercy is never permission to do grave evil.

To knowingly choose a serious sin while planning to seek forgiveness later is called presumption, and it damages the soul.

We are never free to choose evil on purpose because forgiveness exists.

God’s mercy is meant to restore the repentant, not to excuse the deliberate destruction of life.

There Are Real Alternatives — Even If You Can’t See Them Yet

When fear is intense, options can feel very narrow.

But there are real alternatives:

•   Support for mothers in crisis

•   Adoption options

•   Financial and material assistance

•   Housing and medical help

•   Support from the Church and pro-life ministries

You may not feel strong enough—but you do not have to be strong alone.

Choosing life does not mean choosing isolation.

Continuing Your Education Is Often Still Possible

An unexpected pregnancy does not automatically mean the end of your education.

Many schools today:

•   Offer accommodations for pregnant students

•   Provide flexible schedules or remote learning options

•   Allow time for medical needs and recovery

•   Help students complete coursework and graduate

In many places, schools are legally required to support pregnant and parenting students rather than exclude them.

You may have been told—directly or indirectly—that abortion is the only way to “stay on track.” That is often not true.

You deserve an education and the chance to protect life.

Don’t make an irreversible decision. Instead:

•   Ask what supports are available

•   Speak with a counselor or school administrator

•   Seek advocates who can help you navigate your options

•   Take time to gather full and accurate information

Fear often grows from incomplete information.

The Child Is Not the Problem

This must be said clearly.

The child is not:

•   An enemy

•   A mistake

•   A punishment

•   An obstacle

The child is a human being who exists right now, and whose life depends entirely on the courage of others.

Ending that life does not solve the underlying problem—it only adds a deeper wound.

Courage Is Not the Absence of Fear

Courage is acting rightly despite fear.

Choosing life may feel frightening. But it is the choice that aligns with:

•   Truth

•   Justice

•   Love

•   Your deepest dignity

Fear passes. Death does not.

If You Are Feeling Pressured Right Now

If someone is pushing you toward abortion:

•   Pause the conversation

•   Delay the decision

•   Seek another voice

•   Speak with a priest, counselor, or trusted adult

Do not rush into something that you will regret for the rest of your life.

A Line Worth Remembering

You are stronger than this moment, and this life is worth protecting.

A Prayer for Courage

Lord God, I am afraid and unsure of what lies ahead. Give me the courage to choose what is right, even when it feels difficult. Protect the life entrusted to me and help me trust that I am not alone. Lead me by Your truth, not by fear. Amen.

A Final, Honest Word

The Church speaks firmly here because love must protect life.

Silence would be easier. Ambiguity would feel kinder. But neither would be true love.

Whatever you are facing, abortion is not the answer.

Help exists. Support exists. Life still matters.