Post-Abortion E-Cards

When a friend mentioned to me that an organization was offering post-abortion e-cards, I was inquisitive, and found an Associated Press article about it. The article explains that a non-profit organization Exhale created these cards to be nonpartisan and apply to different women's different feelings after an abortion. Author Lisa Leff explains that, "One expresses sympathy, offering the gentle reminder that, 'As you grieve, remember that you are loved.' Another provides encouragement for someone who 'did the right thing.' Yet another strikes a religious tone with the thought that 'God will never leave you or forsake you.'"

After reading this, I was, of course, curious about the organization. According to their website, "Exhale serves women who have had abortions, and their partners, friends and family."They provide a talkline for women to call in and find someone to talk to. In their history page, they explain that they began Exhale to "provide an alternative to politically motivated counseling agencies." My first reaction is to say, hey, pregnancy resource centers (which I assume that is referring to) are not politically motivated. I will not get into it here, especially since you can read my other article "Crisis Pregnancy Centers Offer Abortion Alternatives". These centers do generally provide post-abortion support in the form of counseling or support groups. They are motivated to help women heal.

However, after my first instinctive reaction, I do see why many women would not want to turn to a pregnancy resource center. For one thing, they are generally run by religiously-affiliated groups which can be a turn-off for someone who does not have a relationship with God, or perhaps does but is in an emotional state where she is not ready to face Him. If they do feel guilty, like they had done something wrong, they may not want to go to turn to a place they regret not turning to first. Exhale focuses on the post-abortion experience, and offers "emotional support, resources and information" to women and their loved ones after being faced with a difficult situation. They believe their e-cards are a valuable method for loved ones to reach out to a woman who has had an abortion.

Exhale's press release to announce their e-cards explain that the e-cards "are another way for people to get the kind of non-judgmental support that's offered through Exhale's talkline...." However, they are facing some criticism. Jenice Armstrong speaks her dismay at the advent of e-cards in general, saying she especially cannot "wrap [her] mind around the concept of sending someone in such a situation an e-card." One problem I could imagine happening is that a well-intentioned loving family member who sends the card may send one that says the wrong thing, and undo any healing that may have already occurred. If someone does not know what to say in person, they may not really know what to say via e-card. The sender needs to really know and understand what the woman is feeling. Caution really needs to be advised.

So what is this Pro-Lifer's view of Exhale and their e-cards? While I am bothered by their constant reminders of how non-judgmental they are--which sounds awfully judgmental towards Pro-life organizations who are trying to provide the same opportunities for healing--they are doing good work in providing post-abortion women and their loved ones with the chance to communicate, support, and heal in different and unexpected ways.