The father of an aborted baby speaks out:
“I once fathered a baby by a woman I truly loved in what was the most beautiful experience I have ever had, and of which until that moment I did not think I was capable. I was in fact a soldier at the time and the experience occurred in another country….[she got pregnant]
In the circumstances then prevailing I could not marry the lady but begged for her to have the child, promising to see that it was provided for. She could not see it this way, and had a quick and easy legal abortion. I considered myself a pretty hard tough man after seven years wartime military service, but to my own astonishment the abortion broke me up, or broke my heart, whichever way you care to look at it, besides filling me with an appalling sense of futility and waste and denial of God’s loving kindness and mercy. This feeling festered in me for many years…”
Mary Kenny Abortion: The Whole Story (London: Quartet Books, 1986) p. 78.
Editor’s note. This appeared at Clinic Quotes and is reposted with permission.
The pain and heartbreak experienced by a post-abortion father are poignant reminders of the complex emotional toll that abortion can have on individuals and families. His story underscores the often-overlooked perspective of men who are affected by abortion decisions, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for their experiences.
For this father, the decision to undergo an unwanted abortion shattered his heart and left him grappling with profound grief and regret. His account serves as a powerful testament to the deep emotional bond that fathers can have with their unborn children, challenging societal norms that often minimize or overlook their role in the abortion decision-making process.
The father’s story also sheds light on the complexities of reproductive choices and the ways in which they can impact individuals and relationships. While abortion is often framed as a women’s issue, it is essential to recognize that men can also be deeply affected by the loss of a pregnancy, particularly when they feel excluded from the decision-making process or unable to voice their concerns and emotions.
Moreover, the father’s experience underscores the need for compassionate and nonjudgmental support for individuals and families navigating the aftermath of abortion. Too often, those who have been touched by abortion suffer in silence, grappling with feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation. By sharing his story, this father bravely challenges the stigma surrounding abortion and opens the door for others to seek healing and support.
Ultimately, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and solidarity in addressing the complex realities of abortion. It is essential to create spaces where individuals, regardless of gender, can openly share their experiences, find support, and begin the journey toward healing and reconciliation.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
