I had an abortion a year ago. What can I do to be forgiven?

Bible Question:

I had an abortion a year ago. I have a deep sadness about what I have done. What can I do to be forgiven? I've confessed my sins and ask for forgiveness every day. This is the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life and I regret it every day I see a beautiful child.

Bible Answer:

The results of a study published by the Cambridge University Press in 02 January 2018, and authored by Priscilla K. Coleman states the . . .

Results indicate quite consistently that abortion is associated with moderate to highly increased risks of psychological problems subsequent to the procedure,” the authors wrote in the study, published in the September 1 issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

For the study, researchers analyzed data on 877,000 women, including 164,000 who had an abortion. They found women who had an abortion experienced an 81 percent increased risk for mental problems.

Women who had an abortion were 34 percent more likely to develop an anxiety disorder, 37 percent more likely to experience depression, 110 percent more likely to abuse alcohol, 155 percent more likely to commit suicide, and 220 percent more likely to use marijuana.¹

In the conclusion the article stated, “This review offers the largest quantitative estimate of mental health risks associated with abortion available in the world literature.”

 

Since that study was published, other smaller studies have been conducted about the same issue. There is wide disagreement about post-abortion trauma. Some claim that there is no depression, sadness, grief, or other emotional responses after an abortion. Such claims are contrary to the testimonies of women who have had an abortion. Jennifer Katz of The Professional Counselor organization summaries the facts,

Abortion is common, yet stigmatized. In some cases, abortion patients may experience feelings of sadness, guilt, anger, and other signs of emotional distress after their pregnancy is terminated.²

From a biblical perspective, this is understandable since Romans 2:14-15 tells us that God was written His moral code into out consciences.

For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves,  in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them. Romans 2:14-15 (NASB)

This is why every culture around the world considers murder and adultery to be immoral, for example. Since abortion is murder (Exodus 20:13), women, who have had an abortion, will feel guilty, unless their consciences have been seared, hardened, or damaged by sin  (Hebrews 3:8, 13, 15; 10:22).

If the person is a believer, her conscience will condemn her and she will feel miserable because in addition to her own conscience making feel guilty, the Holy Spirit will convict her of sin (John 16:8).

So, how can a woman who has had an abortion stop feeling guilty and sad? First, it is important to realize that there is no sin that God will not forgive, except for the total rejection of Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior. 1 John 1:9 tells us,

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NASB)

Notice that the verse says God is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins. That is, He forgives because it is His character to forgive. He forgives because He is faithful to us. He forgives because He is sinless. That is, it would be a sin for Him to not forgive after we have confessed our sins.  So, we can be confident that He has forgiven our sins after we honestly and genuinely admit our sins.

Second, the Bible tells us that God forgave King David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. David killed her husband so that he could marry her,

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die.” 2 Samuel 12:13 (NASB)

You ask, “What can I do to be forgiven?” The answer is found in the 2 Samuel 12:13-14. David revealed the emotions of his heart and admitted that he had sinned. He said, “I have sinned against the Lord.” How did the prophet Nathan respond? He said, “The Lord has taken away your sin . . .” If you have not already admitted your sin – just simply admit your sin to God,  Who has promised to forgive us.

Also, the Lord saved Paul, the apostle, who was persecuting, torturing and apparently killing many Christians (Acts 9:1-3; 9:4; 26:14). Realize the God forgave Paul after he did this to Christians. Here is Acts 9:1,

Now Saul [Paul], still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord . . . Acts 9:1 (NASB)

So, if God forgave David and Paul, He will forgive any of us.

When God forgives – He completely forgives. He removes our sin completely,

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 (NASB)

Conclusion:

After a believer has committed a serious sin, he or she often has a very difficult time forgiving himself or herself. If this is true of you, try memorizing a verse about God’s forgiveness and every time your own guilt or Satan tries to discourage you, trust God. Believe God! Trust His promise to you as you repeat one of these verses: 1 John 1:9; Psalm 103:12;

I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake;
And I will not remember your sins.
Isaiah 43:25 (NASB)

He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in unchanging love.
He will again have compassion on us;
He will tread our iniquities under foot.
Yes, You will cast all their sins
Into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:18-19 (NASB)

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.”
Isaiah 1:18 (NASB)

 

 

References:

1. Priscilla K. Coleman. Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. Cambridge University Press. 02 January 2018.
2., Jennifer Katz. Supporting Women Coping With Emotional Distress After Abortion. The Professional Counselor. olume 9 – Issue 2.

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