Does abortion have an impact on men?
With every abortion, there is a woman and a man involved. Society tells us it’s a women’s issue … but is it really just a women’s issue? Does abortion affect men as well and, if so, how? And, is there healing for men?
How are men affected by abortion?
According to a Support After Abortion study, “Over 70 percent of men said they experienced an adverse change in themselves after their abortion losses, while 82 percent said they did not know where to go for help over their abortion grief.”
After abortion emotional complications for men may include:
- Guilt and shame
- Pornography addictions
- Anger
- Suicidal attempts or thoughts
- Anxiety
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Relationship struggles
- Unhealthy work habits
Many men may be struggling with some of these symptoms and not necessarily relate it back to their abortion. If they do seek help in overcoming one or more of these detrimental behaviors, many may miss the root of the abortion and attempt to fix the symptom and not the cause.
How can the Church bring freedom to men struggling from a past abortion?
Men have been conditioned to be silent about abortion. They feel they have no right to grieve and have no safe place to work through their feelings. Are our churches prepared to journey through the healing process with men?
There are a few studies a church can implement.
- Save One offers facilitator training and a study for men to receive healing. Visit their website HERE.
- Healing a Father’s Heart: A Post-abortion Study for Men. For more information, click HERE.
- Surrendering the Heart of a Father: A Man’s Guide to Abortion Recovery. For more information, click HERE.
There is hope, healing and restoration for men.
May our churches be a safe place and a conduit for men to receive healing for past abortions. In so doing, we will raise a generation of warrior men who will stand for life, love their families, walk in freedom and lead the charge for men to live in step with God’s perfect plan.
