I Never Heard You Cry - A Compassionate Journey Through Abortion

From the Publisher:
Ardyce West's compelling narrative examines the grief, pain and regret suffered by women and men who hide in the dark shadows of abortion. While acknowledging the pointed issues and opinions of both pro-life and pro-choice, West remains apolitical and non judgmental, conceding that many women and men involved in abortion successfully move on comfortably resolved to their decision. "I Never Heard You Cry" in fact never approaches political edict or social commentary regarding abortion. West focuses rather on the substantial number of people who do struggle with complex and deeply emotional post-abortion issues.

In addition to relating the heartbreaking story of her own struggles and triumphs, West interviews a number of abortion survivors who have transcended the emotional, social, and political stigmas attached to this volatile issue. Interspersed are effective techniques designed to achieve self-forgiveness and spiritual healing.

REVIEWS:
"For me, a great book is one that leaves me moved and tingling when I complete its final passages. Ardyce West's book, 'I Never Heard You Cry', did precisely that for me. Not only will you be supported and inspired, you will find numerous springs of healing in this book. It is poignant as well as practical, offering compassion and insight in a controversial and troubled arena. Read this book and let your heart be touched."

--Dr. Roger W. Teel
Senior Minister and Spiritual Director
Mile Hi Church
Lakewood, Colorado


"Ardyce West courageously shares her vulnerability in exposing her soul’s journey of healing after her experience of abortion. Her insights give us all strength in moving forward after irreplaceable loss into greater awareness. 'I Never Heard You Cry' is a significant and much needed work that will heal lives."

--Rev. Christian Sorensen, D.D.
Seaside Center for Spiritual Living


FOREWORD:
There are topics that ignite courageous conversations and create controversy. The subject matter of this book is one of those topics. Abortion has been and continues to be a “hot bed” of heated discussion in numerous circles. There are groups of people with opinions that connect the choice to have an abortion to morality. Other groups are adamant that a woman has the right to choose what happens with her body. Still others are fighting for the rights for abortion for medical safety of the woman.

According to statistics, nearly half of the pregnancies among American women are unintended, and four in 10 of these are terminated by abortion. Twenty-two percent of all pregnancies (excluding miscarriages) end in abortion. From 1973 through 2008, nearly 50 million legal abortions occurred. Each year, two percent of women aged 15-44 have an abortion and half have had at least one previous abortion.

Ardyce West has written a deeply personal and important book with a message for anyone who has ever had an abortion or experienced a loved one having an abortion. She invites us to understand the long lasting emotional and psychological aftermath that comes from moving through an abortion. She also invites us to replace fear with love. Through her personal story and others sharing their stories, Ardyce invites us to move into a state of compassionate listening and profound forgiveness. In fact, she asks us to move out of any form of judgment and open our hearts to anyone who has ever had to experience the pain of abortion on any level...

...This is a book that will support healing and transform the way people look at abortion if they are willing to suspend fearful concepts. I highly encourage you to read this book and share it with your family, friends and even counseling clients. It will make a difference in how they view the experience of abortion and hopefully encourage them to open their hearts.

--Cynthia James
Author
"What Will Set You Free"
"Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence"