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Most of the men I talk to think about the abortion years after it is over. They feel sad, they feel curious, they feel a lot of things; but usually they have talked to no one about it. It's a taboo ... —Sociologist Arthur Shostak This page contains articles about the impact of abortion on men and links to resources that may be helpful for men struggling after abortion. Please visit our healing page for more information as well. forgotten fathers and their unforgettable children
In the early seventies, Arthur Shostak accompanied his partner to a well-groomed suburban abortion clinic. They had both agreed abortion was best. But sitting in the waiting room proved to be a "bruising experience." By the time he left the clinic, he was shocked by about how deeply disturbed he had become. A professor of sociology at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Shostak spent the subsequent ten years studying the abortion experience of men. His study included a survey of 1000 men who accompanied wives or girl friends to abortion clinics. Shostak's study was published in Men and Abortion: Lessons, Losses and Love (Praeger, 1984). continued ....
restoring fatherhood lost
Fathers become involved in an abortion in one of five ways: (1) they encourage or support the woman to choose abortion; (2) they pressure her to abort; (3) they abandon her to make the decision alone: (4) they unsuccessfully oppose the abortion; or (5) they learn about the abortion only after it has been done. No matter how they were involved, most men will try to "stuff it away." They are embarrassed and ashamed. They seldom want to talk about it, even if they are experiencing a great sense of loss and pain. Most men are very reluctant to enter a process of healing. If they do share their loss with others, many will only partially reveal their pain. continued ... men and abortion, grief and healingI have a friend whose father disappeared in Mexico. The loss has been more painful for him than if his father had died in his arms. How can one grieve for a father who has simply disappeared? For that matter, how can one grieve for a child who has simply "vanished?" Fathers and mothers of aborted children are like my friend. Each must struggle with how to grieve the loss of a person who "disappeared" from their lives. The fact is this person, who truly did exist and touched their lives -- with longings, memories of fear or joy, visual images, bodily sensations, and dreams of what could be -- is now gone. continued ... psychologists: APA deceptive on how abortion adversely affects women and men "The APA has missed the boat and has misguided the American public," Rue added. "It is out of touch with reality and the pain and suffering of these very real people." Rue pointed out that the APA position is at odds with a statement by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Britain released earlier this year. The British group warned that the issue "remains to be fully resolved," that additional study was needed and that women should have access to counseling about possible consequences. The Royal College concluded that "good practice in relation to abortion will include informed consent. Consent cannot be informed without the provision of adequate and appropriate information regarding the possible risks and benefits to physical and mental health."
read more at www.lifenews.com/nat4289.html One Man's Story Find more stories at www.menandabortion.info Note: We will be adding more stories soon. Please check back to this page. The following are links to organizations and web sites offering information, counseling, research and resources on men and abortion. Inclusion in this list should not be taken as an endorsement of any group's programs or philosophy. If we have overlooked resources that should be included, please send an email to elliotinstitute@gmail.com. Some crisis pregnancy centers and church-based groups that offer counseling, Bible studies, or other healing programs for women after abortion may also have programs for men as well. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Abortion Alternatives" for groups that might offer such support. For more information about healing and finding a group that works for you, visit our healing page. The web site at www.menandabortion.info includes research, articles, personal stories, information and healing resources for men. It also includes information for counselors and others who provide post-abortion help to men. The Fatherhood Forever Foundation at www.fatherhoodforever.org/index.html is dedicated to helping men find healing and hope after abortion by creating awareness that abortion does have an impact on men and providing encouragement and resources to those seeking help. The Men's Abortion Network at www.lifeissues.org/men/MAN/index.html is a network of researchers, counselors and others who promote healing and create awareness of men's abortion experiences. The site contains helpful articles and links to counseling resources. A speaker's bureau is also available. Rachel's Vineyard post-abortion healing ministry has information for men on their web site at www.rachelsvineyard.org/men/index.htm. The group provides support for women and men struggling after abortion through weekend retreats and email support. Women or men whose partners have experienced abortion are also invited to attend the retreats with their partner. The Abortion Recovery International web site at www.abortionrecovery.org lists groups that provide healing services for men, as well as for other family members such as grandparents or siblings who have been affected by abortion. Ramah International has a men's page with links to resources on their web site at www.ramahinternational.org/for-post-abortive-men.html. There is also a short page for men whose partners have experienced abortion at www.ramahinternational.org/post-abortive-spouse.html. Entering Canaan Days of Prayer and Renewal for men, sponsored by Lumina post-abortion healing ministry and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, are held several times a year in New York City. These retreats are for men who have been involved in an abortion and/or whose spouse has had an abortion. For information on upcoming retreats, visit www.postabortionhelp.org. Men who have been involved in an abortion are invited to participate on an ongoing research study about their experiences. To take part in this confidential survey, visit www.abortionresearch.net. Women, grandparents, and medical personnel who have been involved in abortion are also invited to participate in surveys. 
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