No More Whispering: Abortion & Church Culture - From Fear, to Knowledge, to Hope

No More Whispering: Abortion & Church Culture - From Fear, to Knowledge, to Hope

In this episode of Goodbye Guilt and Shame, hosts Jess Layne and Autumn Smith welcome special guest Ashley Vanderpool, Registered Nurse with Infinite Worth and former co-host of the podcast. Throughout this mini-series, we've talked about abortion and church culture from many angles—sanctity of life, the gray space surrounding abortion decisions, the influence of fathers and families, and the role churches play in creating safe places for difficult conversations. Today, we move even closer to the front lines. Ashley serves as a nurse with Infinite Worth, a 24/7 nurse chat ministry that partners with hundreds of pregnancy resource centers across the country. Through text-based conversations, Ashley and her fellow nurses connect with women and families in moments of fear, uncertainty, and crisis—often before they have spoken to anyone else about their pregnancy. In this conversation, Ashley provides a rare glimpse into what women are actually experiencing in real time. She shares what she hears every day from women facing unexpected pregnancies, the fears that drive many abortion decisions, the questions people are asking, and what churches need to understand if they truly want to create cultures where people feel safe seeking help. One of the most powerful statements Ashley shares is that her goal is helping women move from fear, to knowledge, to hope. Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, volunteer, parent, or simply someone who wants to love people well, this episode offers valuable insight into the reality many women face long before anyone else knows their story. KEY QUOTE "They're not waking up saying, 'I think I'll have an abortion today.' They're scared, often uneducated, and they need to be loved, given good information, and provided a safe place to process what they're facing." — Ashley Vanderpool RESEARCH REFERENCED * 3 in 10 women who have had an abortion report having experienced more than one abortion. * Approximately 51% of women agree that churches do not have a ministry prepared to discuss options during an unexpected pregnancy. * About 52% of churchgoers who have had an abortion report that no one at church knows about their abortion experience. * 4 in 10 women report that the father of the baby was the most influential person in their pregnancy decision. Source: Care Net and Lifeway Research FEATURED ORGANIZATION INFINITE WORTH Infinite Worth provides a 24/7 nurse chat ministry that connects women facing unexpected pregnancies with licensed nurses who offer compassionate support, education, referrals, and pregnancy resource center connections. Their mission is to reach women in the moment they need help most and connect them with life-affirming care and local support. They currently partner with hundreds of pregnancy centers across the United States and provide around-the-clock nurse support through text-based communication. Learn more: https://www.infiniteworth.org [https://www.infiniteworth.org/] CONNECT WITH US If abortion is part of your story, please know that you are not disqualified from belonging. There is hope. There is healing. And you do not have to walk alone. For information about post-abortion healing and support: RestoredNation.org [https://www.restorednation.org]

No More Whispering: Abortion and Church Culture — The Recipe for Restoration

Goodbye Guilt and Shame Season 2 | Mini Series 2 | Episode 5 No More Whispering: Abortion and Church Culture — The Recipe for Restoration Hosts: Jess Layne & Autumn Smith EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this final episode of No More Whispering, Jess and Autumn bring together the conversations from the entire series and ask an important question: What does a healthy, life-giving church culture actually look like? This conversation moves beyond ideas and into action—exploring the ingredients that create safe spaces where people feel seen, supported, and valued. Jess and Autumn discuss practical ways churches can show up for individuals and families navigating unexpected pregnancy, abortion recovery, miscarriage, grief, and single parenting. This episode also highlights trusted organizations and resources available for healing and support because no one should have to walk through these experiences alone. RESOURCES MENTIONED Abortion Recovery & Healing Support After Abortion [https://supportafterabortion.com] Connects women and men impacted by abortion with healing resources and support groups. Offers both faith-based and secular options. Deeper Still [https://deeperstill.org] Free confidential healing retreats for women and men impacted by abortion. Jess and Dan personally shared their experience attending one of these retreats. An Even Place [https://anevenplace.com] Online faith-based support groups designed to help women process grief, shame, and healing after abortion. Pregnancy Loss & Grief Support Restored Nation — [https://www.restorednation.org/groups#anchors-ljszxk2n]In His Arms [https://www.restorednation.org/groups#anchors-ljszxk2n] Private healing sessions for individuals and couples processing: * Miscarriage * Infant loss * Pregnancy grief I Am Seen [https://www.iamseen.org] Provides care boxes and grief resources for families experiencing miscarriage and infant loss. Single Parent Support Restored Nation — [https://www.restorednation.org/groups#anchors-ljszxk2n]Strong Moms [https://www.restorednation.org/groups#anchors-ljszxk2n] A support community for single mothers designed to provide: * Community * Encouragement * Prayer * Practical support * Resources for daily life Books & Additional Resources Unmasked — by Jim Anderson [https://www.amazon.com/Unmasked-Jim-Anderson-ebook/dp/B007XKR8KA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3MWJWOZ0JO4QP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gG24QVlB8EqXZ4ZgzOpZvUdh3flGCwaXXtgRTpsqssQ7cWtvHVc9y0YIiRFp5yBs.JU7TYI11qRwAiECEmjH6OpAK7i1XHxiRu2x3H5wpQ8s&dib_tag=se&keywords=unmasked+book+Jim+Anderson&qid=1779826120&sprefix=unmasked+book+jim+anderson%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-2] Topics include: * God's design for sexuality * Relationships * Masculinity and femininity * Healing and restoration * Creating healthy church culture Sexuality Unmasked [https://www.instagram.com/sexualityunmasked/] Additional recommended book: The Heart of a Woman [https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Woman-Daughter-Flower-Princess/dp/0982864213] CONNECT WITH US Questions? Need support? Want help finding resources in your area? Email: ask@restorednation.org Follow and connect with Goodbye Guilt and Shame on social media. "A culture of life is more than a belief. It's the way we show up for people." Until next time, we're Jess Layne and Autumn Smith reminding you that today can and will be better than yesterday.

No More Whispering: Abortion & Church Culture - His Story Too

In this deeply personal episode of Goodbye Guilt and Shame, hosts Jess Layne and Autumn Smith expand the conversation around abortion and church culture by exploring a perspective that is rarely discussed — the experience of men and fathers impacted by abortion. Joined by special guest Daniel Layne, Jess’s husband, this conversation dives into the realities of silence, trauma, guilt, healing, and faith from a male perspective. Dan vulnerably shares how abortion affected him as a teenage father, the cultural messages that shaped his understanding at the time, and how healing came years later through faith, community, and honest conversations. Together, Jess, Autumn, and Dan discuss: * How abortion impacts more than one person * The silence many men carry for decades * The role church culture plays in healing or hiding pain * Trauma, shame, and delayed healing * Why fathers often feel excluded from the conversation * The importance of education, identity, and discipleship for young men * How churches can create safer spaces for healing and restoration This episode is honest, emotional, and full of hope for anyone carrying hidden grief connected to abortion. Healing is possible — even years later. RESOURCES MENTIONED * Restored Nation [https://www.restorednation.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Unraveled Roots Support Groups * Healing a Father’s Heart (Now called Reclaiming Fatherhood, by Care-net) * Keys to Hope and Healing CONNECT WITH US Do you have a question for Jess or Autumn: Ask@restorednation.org If this episode impacted you, share it with someone who may need to hear that they are not alone. Follow and subscribe to Goodbye Guilt and Shame for more conversations breaking silence around abortion, healing, faith, and restoration.

No More Whispering: The Message From the Pulpit

In this powerful fourth episode of our No More Whispering: Abortion and Church Culture mini-series, Jess and Autumn sit down with Pastor Dr. Bryan “Dav” Davenport to talk about something that quietly shapes church culture more than we realize—the pulpit. What is said (and not said) from the pulpit deeply impacts how people experience belonging, forgiveness, and healing—especially around topics like abortion. Together, we explore: * Why abortion has historically gone unspoken in many churches * How silence can unintentionally reinforce shame * The tension between honoring privacy and addressing truth * What it looks like to speak about abortion pastorally, not just positionally * How Jesus modeled both truth and compassion in moments of deep shame Dr. Dav brings decades of pastoral insight and offers a perspective that is both grounded in Scripture and deeply compassionate. This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and necessary. “What is kept in secret is kept in shame.” Dr. Dav In this mini series, we explore where abortion shows up in the Church and where it doesn’t. Are pastors talking about it? Are leaders equipped? How is the sanctity of life communicated without shame or condemnation? We’re not here to argue. We’re here to ask how. How do we create churches where women, men, teenagers, single parents, grandparents, and families feel safe enough to say the word “abortion”? How do we become a culture that shows up before, during, and after crisis? Because she’s not “out there.” She’s sitting in the pew.

No More Whispering: Abortion & Church Culture - The Grey Space

EPISODE 2: THE GREY SPACE Goodbye Guilt and Shame Podcast Season 2, Mini Series 2: No More Whispering – Abortion & Church Culture Speakers: Jess Layne & Autumn Smith EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, Jess and Autumn step into what they call “the grey space”—the complicated, often painful realities surrounding abortion decisions. While truth remains clear, the circumstances people face rarely are. This conversation explores the real-life pressures that shape these decisions—fear, financial instability, relationship dynamics, shame, and isolation—and asks an important question: How can the Church respond with both truth and compassion when people are navigating deeply complex situations? Rather than simplifying the issue, this episode invites listeners to better understand the human stories behind it—and to help create a church culture where people feel safe enough to bring those stories into the light. > “Decisions like this are rarely made in a vacuum… people are often just trying to survive in the middle of it.” KEY THEMES FROM THIS EPISODE 1. What is “The Grey Space”? 1. Not moral confusion—but human complexity 2. Real-life pressures that influence decisions 3. The gap between theology and lived experience 2. The Reality Behind the Decision 1. Fear, time pressure, and urgency 2. Financial and relational instability 3. Influence from others and cultural messaging 4. Feeling like there are no other options 3. Why This Matters for the Church 1. Many people don’t feel safe bringing these struggles forward 2. Conversations can feel disconnected from real life 3. Silence and simplification can lead to isolation 4. A Better Way Forward 1. Listening with humility and curiosity 2. Holding truth and compassion together 3. Creating spaces where people are seen, not judged RESEARCH INSIGHT Jess and Autumn reference research from Care Net and Lifeway showing: 1. 34% of women expected or experienced judgment from the church 2. 27% expected a concerned or negative reaction This highlights a critical reality: Many women don’t expect the Church to be a safe place in their moment of crisis. CHURCH CULTURE RECIPE Practical ways to begin shifting culture Ingredient #1: Healthy Language 1. Avoid assumptions or condemning statements 2. Lead with curiosity, compassion, and humility 3. Words shape whether people feel safe—or silent Ingredient #2: Normalize Honest Conversations 1. Talk about real-life struggles openly 2. Create spaces for questions, not just answers 3. Let people know they’re not alone FEATURED RESOURCE If this conversation resonates with you or someone you love, there is help available. 👉 Visit Restored Nation: 🌐 https://www.restorednation.org [https://www.restorednation.org/] Unraveled Roots A powerful, closed-group experience for deeper healing and honest conversation. 1. Safe, committed environment 2. Designed for both men and women 3. Interest form available on the website FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT Abortion decisions often happen in moments of pressure, fear, and pain. If the Church wants to truly walk with people, it must be willing to understand those moments—not avoid them. We’re not here to whisper anymore. We’re here to build a church culture where truth and compassion exist together—and where no one has to carry their story alone. CONNECT & SHARE If this episode encouraged you: 1. Follow Goodbye Guilt and Shame 2. Leave a review 3. Share this episode with someone who needs it A FINAL WORD If abortion is part of your story: You are not disqualified from belonging.