Can I be forgiven for abortions if I confess to my priest?

[Ellen_Mary]

I am a lapsed Catholic who feels the need to return to my Church. I am disabled with spina bifida. When I was 17 I was very nieve got pregnant and had an abortion which I later much regretted. Five years later I met my husband and I got pregnant again I was delighted but he didnt want the baby, and told me to either abort my baby or lose him. I chose to abort my baby, and I have never forgiven myself.

6 years later I fell pregnant again and again I was delighted but my husband was not. I refused to abort my baby and when she was 10 months old he left us. I feel so ashamed of myself and my heart is so heavy with shame and regret of aborting my first two babies. I truly am devestated that I had the abortions. I want to return to my Church but I am scared and ashamed that I wouldn’t be able to attend mass as I had the abortions. I live in the UK and I dont know what to do. Would I be able to confess my abortions to my priest? Can I be forgiven or am I condemed for my two evil acts?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Yes, you absolutely can be forgiven in the sacrament of confession. You are not condemned, the Lord desires you to return to confession and the Eucharist. We are all sinners in need of God’s mercy. Be confident in God’s love for you and His desire to forgive you.

I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed…The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child.

Evangelium Vitae 99