PATH Helps Heal Those Touched By Abortion

Published: September 4, 2003

ATLANTA—Each woman’s story tells the tale of a unique journey.

Though their journeys take separate paths, some through regret, pain and shame, many of those paths converge at the same destination—a place of hope and healing.

Since it began in Atlanta in 1996, Post Abortion Treatment and Healing has helped countless women heal from wounds left by an abortion.

And in its seventh official year as a ministry, PATH and those who serve the organization are turning to people in the archdiocese to help them continue their important ministry to those who have suffered as a result of abortion.

Director Mary Ann McNeil, who holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Georgia, has worked with post-abortive women since 1987. PATH became incorporated in 1996 and earned its nonprofit status in 1999.

For the past two years, PATH has received a grant from the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia, but this year, because of the state of the economy, the grant may not be available, McNeil said, adding that the organization is open to outside contributions.

PATH serves individuals suffering from post-abortive trauma in two ways.

The first is through a Bible study, where groups of about three or four participants meet once a week with a facilitator who helps them work through issues relating to their abortion experiences.

The second form of ministry is through a weekend retreat. Held three times a year, the retreats create an intimate, open environment for participants to share and experience healing.

“When you are in the Bible study, you have 12 to 16 weeks to process the whole abortion experience,” McNeil said. “There are three, four or five women and sometimes men who share their hearts and read Scripture. But there is always a percentage of people who will read Scripture and intellectualize it. In my experience, God gets to you through your heart, not through your head. And on the retreat, you just cannot intellectualize it. It’s all experiential. It’s a very heart-driven type of experience. So it’s especially good for those who tend to intellectualize.”

However, putting on the retreats is not inexpensive. PATH pays for its eight retreat volunteers, including food and board at the Carmel Retreat Center in Hoschton, and for many supplies used during the weekend.

But McNeil said that Catholics in the archdiocese have been generous, adding that several parishes and organizations make an annual donation.

“Some of the pastors are just so wonderful and have allowed their parishes to have a second collection just for PATH,” she said.

Many of those who have experienced the power of PATH’s ministry are also grateful to those parishes who have donated, for it has been through the ministry that they have found peace.

One participant, who is now a facilitator, said she was 18 when she decided to have an abortion. It was a decision, she said, that left her with an “empty crater where (her) heart used to be.”

“I simply would never let myself think about the abortion, let alone talk about it with anyone. And so for the next 25 years, I embarked on a quest for wholeness, attempting to fill that gaping hole with achievement, success, recognition—anything to distract me from confronting my true feelings about what I had done,” she said.

Then one day after Mass, she saw an announcement in her parish bulletin for PATH and decided to join the Bible study.

“I opened the floodgates and talked about my experience for the first time in 25 years,” she said. “The word of God in the holy Scriptures seemed to be talking directly to me. I finally faced the truth about what happened and the truth that my sin had been forgiven and I would one day be united with my precious child in heaven … It’s hard to describe the sheer relief and joy that came from this beautiful Bible study.”

Another participant called her retreat experience “life-changing.”

“I truly did not know everything I needed to work through, but I now have this total sense of peace,” she said. “As my dad said after being terrified and delaying cataract surgery for a long time, ‘If I’d only known how well I’d see afterwards, I wouldn’t have been such a sissy.’ I was a sissy. A denying, lying, seemingly death-defying sissy.”

Another woman said that her retreat experience was even more than she expected.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and yet the most rewarding,” she said. “I had no problem believing God forgives someone truly repentant. So let’s say I expected being forgiven, and welcomed back. I didn’t expect a banquet, nor gifts … and I’ve received the most incredible one of all … I no longer feel shame. This was unimaginable to me. Before, I could envision the parable of the prodigal son; now I have experienced it.”

There are dozens of stories like these and McNeil, who has seen many lives transformed, has also experienced a life change.

“This has really increased my faith and assures me that I’m on the right path,” she said. “It’s changed my life for the better in a huge way. I feel like it’s a privilege to put on these retreats. People pour their hearts out and they come to Christ. And I get to see it. It’s a blessing.”

Her ministry with PATH has given her validation in her faith as well, McNeil said.

“If there had ever been any doubt that there is a God, there is none. I have seen amazing things. I have had people tell me their stories. I kind of feel like I am a dandelion and God is blowing me here and there and wherever he needs me to be,” she said.

Funds are needed to maintain PATH’s ministry—for part-time salaries for McNeil, an in-take retreat counselor and a part-time administrator, as well as for Web hosting for PATH’s Web site located at www.healingafterabortion.com and for retreat costs. Those interested in donating may send a check payable to PATH to 4691 North Springs Court, Atlanta, GA 30308. Those who are suffering from post-abortive trauma can call the PATH hotline at (404) 896-6521.