Nebraska launches statewide post-abortion healing ministry
By Shelby Siegfried
for the Register
In a poignant alignment with the feast of Pope Saint John Paul II Oct. 22, the Nebraska Catholic Conference revealed its compassionate endeavor, “Hearts Restored” – a revived post-abortion healing ministry.
Distinct from the established Project Rachel programs, this ministry is an ambitious statewide venture orchestrated by Nebraska’s three bishops. It effectively consolidates resources to provide solace and support to Nebraskans grappling with the profound aftermath of abortion.
Paige Brown, statewide pro-life activities coordinator of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, explained the significance of this ministry.
“After years of preparation, Hearts Restored is the post-abortion healing ministry in Nebraska that will serve anyone struggling after an abortion,” she said. “This ministry is different from Project Rachel programs, which are typically operated by individual dioceses. The three bishops of Nebraska intentionally pooled their resources together to create a ministry that could successfully and sustainably serve the state.
“The need for healing and the need to revive the ministry in a post-Roe era has only grown,” she added, “and thanks to the leadership of our bishops, we’re ready to pursue post-abortion healing with renewed zeal and infrastructure in the form of Hearts Restored.”
Abortion has been a contentious topic at both the national and state level in recent years, making the need for post-abortion healing even more pressing.
“Studies reveal that between 1 in 4 and 1 in 3 women have endured an abortion,” Brown noted. “According to a Guttmacher survey in 2014, 62% of women who get abortions have religious affiliations. There are post-abortive men and women in our pews in need of healing and mercy, and finally, we have a place where they can find it.”
Anyone who reaches out to Hearts Restored can expect compassion and warmth as they start on the path to healing that is best for them.
After an initial phone call or email, clients will be connected to counseling with mentors and mental health professionals, group opportunities like bible studies and monthly meet-ups, retreats like Rachel’s Vineyard, and spiritual services, namely the sacraments. Clients can also expect nonjudgmental help and confidentiality.
Alongside Hearts Restored, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center (IHMCC) provides individual counseling to anyone grappling with the aftermath of an abortion. As abortion is often an unrecognized source of grief, the symptoms and reactions can be diverse, ranging from mild grief to more profound emotional responses. IHMCC offers compassionate care through trauma-informed therapies. The organization, now an independent non-profit, has been serving the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln for more than 25 years, offering high-quality, faith-integrated counseling.
“Abortion is a disenfranchised loss, in that it is not recognized by society as something to grieve,” said Dr. Courtney Miller, director of clinical services and president of the Board of Directors at Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center. “The symptoms after and reactions to an abortion can be of wide range. Some may feel mild grief where others might have more profound reactions. Many in society feel abortion solves a problem. Because of this, women and men may feel healing is not available for them.”
Miller said often, after experiencing an abortion, an individual may have tremendous guilt and shame and feel they have committed an “unforgiveable act.” Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to obtain support after an abortion.
“It takes a lot of courage to seek help,” she said. “We are called to show compassion and care in support of post-abortion healing and in promoting a culture of life.
“Often an individual is in a state of crisis when making a decision to have an abortion,” she continued. “We should open up conversation with anyone suffering from post-abortion, meet them where they are at, and journey with them, provide them resources and access to professional services to offer them both healing and hope.”
Brown agreed.
“With a widening network of mental health professionals, clergy, and new resources sprouting up locally, we hope to refer everyone to local connections on their healing journey. With the rise of telehealth and other forms of technological communications, we are confident that anybody across the state will be able to access some form of assistance for their post-abortion trauma,” she said.
“Healing women and men who have been wounded by abortion is critical to stop the cycle of abortion and self-abuse that often comes from an abortion experience,” said Jennifer Butcher, a peer counselor and advocate for post-abortion healing, with 25 years of experience with Rachel’s Vineyard and Project Rachel in California and Nebraska. “It’s also imperative that a spiritual reconciliation occur with God, so that souls may be healed and returned to the loving embrace of Holy Mother Church.”
Butcher said some of the most common wounds after an abortion are low self-esteem, guilt, shame, increased use of alcohol and drugs, promiscuity, depression, anxiety, nightmares, suicidal thoughts, and actual suicide attempts.
“Spiritually, parents of aborted children often feel that God can never forgive them for what they’ve done.” she added. “They wonder about the state of their children’s souls. If they previously attended church, they will often avoid returning, not knowing that Our Lord awaits their return.”
Butcher said shame often holds women back from seeking help and healing.
“Women have been told that abortion is their right and is reproductive healthcare,” she said. “When the negative consequences of their choice begin to manifest, they often have a difficult time connecting their pain with their abortion, because they have been told that there are no negative consequences. Even though abortion is considered a popular, good choice for women, there is still the shame that surrounds that choice, due to the inherent knowledge that a mother and father should protect their child. This shame can stop women from seeking help or even talking about it with friends or family. This is why everyone needs to be aware of the Hearts Restored program, which provides the help and healing that those wounded by abortion need. We must always share the truth of abortion but do it with love and mercy.”
Brown also emphasized the need for post-abortion healing.
“This is a battle for life, and souls,” she said. “Some individuals struggle severely with depression, anxiety, isolation, PTSD, suicidal thoughts and actions, the inability to perform day-to-day tasks like work, and more. Trauma that is not addressed after abortion can, and has, cost lives. It is also a battle for souls—the devil wants to keep us as far away from God as possible. He will do everything he can to isolate us, perpetuate shame, and keep us from healing from our sin and wounds. God’s transformative love will renew us, heal our wounds, forgive us of our sins, and bring us closer to an eternity with him.”
How You Can Help Hearts Restored:
● Contact Hearts Restored: If you or someone you know is in need of post-abortion healing, please contact Hearts Restored for more information, resources, and support. Hotline: 402-783-HOPE (4673) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: HeartsRestoredNebraska.org
● Volunteer and Get Involved: Hearts Restored is actively expanding its network of mental health professionals, clergy, and volunteers. If you are interested in being a part of this vital ministry, contact Paige Brown at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information on opportunities for involvement.
● Spread the Word: Every Catholic is encouraged to help spread the message of Hearts Restored. Parishes will have prayer cards and brochures available, and tear-away flyers in private spaces to spread the word about Hearts Restored. Take one, or take a picture so you always have a digital copy if someone needs it.
Hearts Restored Post-Abortion Healing
Hotline: 402-783-HOPE (4673)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: HeartsRestoredNebraska.org
