Abortion is a heavy topic. People cope with it in different ways, whether they’re post-abortive, on the frontlines of the pro-life movement, or just grappling with the cultural divide. As someone deeply involved in this movement, I’ve learned that our perspective shapes everything—especially when the stakes feel impossibly high.

The pro-life movement stands apart from abortion supporters because we fundamentally believe that abortion ends the life of a baby. That’s not an easy pill for anyone to swallow. For many, acknowledging that reality would mean confronting deep moral truths: either abortion is the greatest injustice in human history, or pro-life advocates are wrong and owe women an apology for restricting access to what some see as basic healthcare.

If abortion does what it’s designed to do—end the life of a baby—then we’re facing a tragedy of unimaginable scale: 78 million lives lost every year. That’s overwhelming. And for post-abortive women, the healing process often begins with just admitting what happened—that they paid a doctor, and their baby is gone. Facing that reality is heartbreaking but necessary.

Three Ways to Respond to the Crisis

Historically, we’ve observed three responses to the abortion crisis: becoming the “angry pro-life person,” burning out and quitting, or anchoring yourself in prayer and the Gospel. Only the last option provides the strength to persevere in this work.

Prayer is the foundation. Whether you’re leading a 40 Days for Life campaign or simply participating in a vigil, the spiritual dimension of this work sustains us. It reminds us to walk by faith, not by sight. As Scripture says, “Blessed are those who have not seen but have believed.” Often, you’ll never know if your presence at a vigil saved a baby, but that doesn’t mean your effort is in vain. The devil’s greatest tool is discouragement, and we have to resist it by trusting in God’s plan.

The Mind, Body, and Soul Connection

To remain effective, we need to care for all aspects of ourselves: mind, body, and soul. Neglecting the soul is especially dangerous. As Pope Benedict XVI once said, “The greatest danger for the West is living as if God does not exist.”

Leading or participating in a 40 Days for Life campaign is emotionally draining. Many people tell us, “I love what you’re doing, but I could never do it.” Yet, these same individuals often become great leaders. Why? Because they learn to face the discomfort and lean into their faith. When you’re out there praying, witnessing, and advocating, you can’t avoid thinking about abortion. It’s hard, but it’s transformative.

Coping Strategies: Six Practical Tips

So, how do we cope? Over the years, we’ve identified six practical strategies:

1. Journaling: Writing everything down is therapeutic. It’s a way to process emotions, pray, and reflect. Sometimes, you’ll even discover answers to prayers you forgot you made. Journaling helps you see God’s hand in your life, especially during tough times.
2. Meditative Prayer: This isn’t just about asking God for things; it’s about listening. Silence allows us to hear God’s voice, which is often drowned out by the noise of our culture. As St. Augustine said, “Silence is the language of God.” Take time to be still and know that He is God.
3. Talking It Out: Sharing your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends or family can be incredibly healing. This applies to everyone, including post-abortive individuals. For many, retreats or workshops provide the safe space needed to begin this process.
4. Changing Your Perspective: Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring reality; it means choosing to focus on hope. Even when you don’t see immediate results, trust that your efforts are making a difference. God uses our witness in ways we may never fully understand.
5. Exercise: Physical activity is a game-changer. Whether it’s running, walking, or hitting the gym, exercise lifts your mood and strengthens your body. Caring for your physical health also honors the temple of the Holy Spirit.
6. Forgiveness and Patience: Forgive yourself and others. Life is too short for grudges. Reflect on how patient God is with us and strive to extend that patience to others. This includes seeing abortion workers through the eyes of Christ—as individuals loved by God, not enemies.

 Living the Mission

It’s easy to get so caught up in the tragedy of abortion that we forget to celebrate the gift of life. Don’t lose sight of the joy in your own life. Spend time with family, watch a movie, or enjoy a hobby. Life is a gift, and living it fully honors the God who gave it to us.

As you continue your pro-life journey, remember that you’re not alone. Whether you’re praying on the sidewalk, leading a campaign, or simply supporting the cause in your own way, you’re part of something bigger. Trust in God, take care of yourself, and never underestimate the power of faith, hope, and love.