Making the decision to seek support after an abortion takes tremendous courage. If you’re reading this, you’ve likely been carrying difficult emotions—perhaps for weeks, months, or even years. You might feel uncertain about reaching out, worried about what joining a support group actually means, or anxious about sharing your story with others. These feelings are completely normal, and you’re not alone in having them.
At Abortion Recovery America, we understand that taking this first step can feel overwhelming. That’s why we want to walk you through what you can actually expect from our support groups, so you can make an informed decision about whether this path is right for you.
A Safe and Confidential Space
First and foremost, our support groups are built on a foundation of complete confidentiality. What is shared in the group stays in the group. This isn’t just a guideline—it’s a commitment that every participant makes to one another. We understand that your story is deeply personal, and you deserve a space where you can speak freely without fear of judgment or exposure.
Our groups are facilitated by trained leaders who have walked this path themselves. They understand the complexity of emotions that can follow an abortion because they’ve experienced them firsthand. This isn’t about someone lecturing you or telling you how to feel. It’s about being guided by someone who genuinely understands.
No Pressure, No Judgment
One of the biggest concerns people express before joining a group is the fear of being judged. Perhaps you’re worried about being pressured to feel a certain way, or that others won’t understand your unique circumstances. We want to be clear: our groups are non-judgmental spaces where all feelings are respected.
You won’t be told how to feel, nor will you be pressured to share your story before you’re ready. Many women find that this is the first time they feel safe enough to discuss their experiences from the very first meeting. However, you will not be expected to process your experience on anyone else’s timeline—only your own. Some participants may find relief immediately, while others might take a few weeks to feel comfortable sharing.
Our philosophy is simple: your experience is your own, and your healing journey belongs to you. We’re here to support you, not to dictate how that journey should look.
What Happens in a Typical Session
While every group has its own dynamic, there are some common elements you can expect. Sessions typically begin with a meal to get to know each other. In the first session, there is no in-depth sharing by participants or actual Bible study.
The groups are designed to be intimate, typically accommodating up to four participants. However, we recognize the unique needs of individuals and are prepared to conduct a session with just one participant when necessary.
Each session will always be facilitated by two experienced leaders, ensuring supportive and attentive guidance. We prioritize creating a nurturing environment for our participants, as many may find this to be their only opportunity for pampering and self-care. In addition to providing meals prepared by generous volunteers, participants will receive a weekly gift that reinforces the lesson of the week.
You’ll hear from others who have experienced many of the same feelings you have—the unexpected sadness, the complicated grief, the difficulty in talking about it with others, or the sense of isolation. There’s something profoundly healing about realizing you’re not the only one who feels the way you do.
Who Attends Our Groups
Our groups are open to women struggling emotionally and spiritually after an abortion.
Participants come from all walks of life. Some had their abortion recently; others are processing an experience from decades ago. Some felt certain about their decision at the time but are struggling with unexpected emotions now. Others felt conflicted from the beginning. There’s no “right” profile for someone who needs support.
The Time Commitment
Sessions are structured to last approximately three hours (depending on the size of the group), allowing ample time for every participant to share their thoughts and feelings. To enhance the experience and promote personal growth, participants will be assigned weekly homework, which should take about 20 minutes each day. This homework is a crucial component of the program, as it is where the true healing is experienced.
Regular attendance is crucial because lessons build on each other. If you have a conflict with the schedule, the schedule will be changed around your commitment within the first two meetings. We want to work with each participant so that everyone can make each meeting. If you have an emergency absence, the meeting will be rescheduled for the whole group.
What You Don’t Have to Do
It might be helpful to know what we don’t require. You don’t have to share your full story in the first meeting. You don’t have to cry or display emotion in any particular way. You don’t have to have made peace with your experience before joining—in fact, that’s often why people come.
You also don’t have to be “ready” in any specific way. If you’re reading this and wondering whether now is the right time, the fact that you’re seeking information suggests you might benefit from support. Trust that instinct.
After-Abortion Support Groups In-Person and Online
Taking the first step toward healing doesn’t mean committing to a specific outcome. It simply means acknowledging that you’re carrying something heavy and that you don’t have to carry it alone. Our after-abortion support groups exist to walk alongside you, to honor your experience without judgment, and to offer hope and healing.
If you’re feeling scared, anxious, or uncertain—that’s okay. Those feelings make sense. But on the other side of that fear is peace, freedom, and healing. Support groups are available in-person and online.
Give us a call at (205) 616-9417 to get started.
Please be aware that Abortion Recovery America does not provide or refer for abortion services.