What will happen if I confess my sin of abortion?

[tnt21900]

I had an abortion almost 20 years ago when I was 17. I was in high school, obviously unmarried and absolutely scared to death. I didn’t even see having a child as an option, was terrified to tell my parents, so my boyfriend paid for and took me to get an abortion.

Since that time I have attended chuch, gotten married and had children. I have lead what I feel to be a good life and done good works, but I have never been to confession since the abortion because I am horribly ashamed of what I did and afraid the priest will tell me I cannot be forgiven.

I really would like to confess my sins (I have prayed for forgiveness but not gone to confession). What will happen if I go to confession and confess my sin of abortion? Will I be excommunicated?

 

[Devon_Caffran]

These links should be helpful for preparing to go to confession. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

Recommended Reading:
What can I tell my friend who fears confessing the sin of abortion?
How is the excommunication lifted from having had an abortion?