By Josh Low
Having commenced earlier this year in July in the Archdiocese of Perth, the Post Abortion Grief Counselling Service has already seen a positive response.
With the initiative coming directly from Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, the idea for the service came about after a gap in the services being provided by the Archdiocese in the area, together with a growing need for the service, was identified.
Shadow Minister for Child Protection, Hon. Nick Goiran MLC, has previously said in an interview with The eRecord that there has been a serious lack of informed consent for those seeking to have an abortion.
“There are situations in which people seeking to have an abortion haven’t been given informed consent.
“In part this is because those who are so-called ‘pro-choice’ are not always giving pregnant mothers information about other options like foster care and adoption or about consequences like post abortion grief,” he said.
“The problem is that nobody wants to talk about it. There needs to be more accountability and transparency…”
Archdiocesan Research and Project Development Manager Mr Tony Giglia said the aim of the Post Abortion Grief Counselling Service will be to provide support and healing to those who are now suffering these consequences.
Having commenced earlier this year in July, the service is provided by the Fullness of Life Centre, Pregnancy Assistance, Centrecare Inc and Abortion Grief Australia, who have all signed a memorandum of understanding with the Archdiocese.
“The services are provided free of charge and those seeking the counselling service can be assured they are getting confidential quality support without judgement,” Mr Giglia said.
“Our hope is that we can further provide a Christ-centred Church that understands the experiences of the people and where they are at in their life today,” he said.
Abortion Grief Australia’s National Director, Julie Cook, emphasised the importance of reaching out to those who have experienced an abortion and are suffering.
“Most health professionals don’t have the training to deal with the issue of post abortion trauma, and the women who are suffering are often so ashamed that they won’t talk to anyone about the grief they are experiencing.”
“These initiatives help to raise awareness among people in general and the very fact that so many people are getting involved to reach out to those suffering with abortion trauma is a great witness and testament of hope,” she said.
For more information on how to access the new post abortion grief counselling services, Click Here
From page 26 Issue 20: ‘Wellbeing: Building stronger communities that flourish as a whole’ of The Record Magazine