International conference examines impact of abortion on men

Published: 2007-12-03

SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) -- While the impact of abortion on men is low on the cultural radar, there is overwhelming research, clinical experience and anecdotal evidence that men can be profoundly traumatized by the elective loss of a child whether they encouraged it, resisted it or only learned of it after the fact. This was the view of speakers at the first international conference on men and abortion held in San Francisco Nov. 28-29. Nearly 200 people from at least seven nations and 28 states gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral to hear the personal stories of men affected by abortion, reports on research on the topic, and presentations by counselors and therapists on the treatment of men suffering post-abortion grief. Organized by the Milwaukee-based National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing, the "Reclaiming Fatherhood: A Multifaceted Examination of Men Dealing With Abortion" conference was co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the national office of the Knights of Columbus.

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