'The Apology’ — Men Speak Up About Abortion

A new video produced by Heroic Media highlights how men involved in abortions are affected.

Christian pastor Shane Idelman is one of three men who discuss their experiences with abortion in the video The Apology.
Christian pastor Shane Idelman is one of three men who discuss their experiences with abortion in the video The Apology. (photo: YouTube/Heroic Media)

WASHINGTON — A pro-life organization is aiming to highlight how men are affected by abortion — and offer hope for healing and renewal — through a new video called The Apology.

“The pain of regret is one of the hardest things to deal with, because it is a constant reminder that we let down God; we let down others; we let down our child,” stated one of the men featured in the video.

The film was released by Heroic Media, a life-affirming multimedia organization, and produced under the direction of John Blandford, one of the men featured in it.

The short video showcases three men, all Christian believers from different backgrounds, who admit that they have been involved in an abortion in the past. Noting that approximately one in three people “in the Church” have participated in an abortion, the men confess that the post-abortion struggle is hard, lonely and often heartbreaking.

“I conceded to an abortion. And even as a pastor, that decision still haunts me today. What would that child look like? Would it be boy? Would it be a girl? Their first steps, saying ‘Daddy,’ watching them grow; but those are just dreams, and dreams which often leave me heartbroken,” one man said in the video.

“I was 28. I didn’t know God — I called myself a Christian, though, at the time. I would go to church a couple of times a month, and I just started dating this gal, and she got pregnant,” Blandford noted in the film, saying that he should have “manned up, but I didn’t.”

Apologizing to all aborted children for the fact that no one was there to save them, Blandford stated that he was sorry that women were subjected to abortion and all that it entails.

The other men in the film also apologized to those who have had abortions, while offering hope that the current generation would turn to forgiveness and the love of God.

“As someone who had been on both sides, I am telling you: Keep contending for life. That is my hope: It is my hope to see a generation who will stand up and say, ‘No more,’” one man reflected.

“If you have had an abortion, I am so sorry. I am sorry for not taking a greater stand in this area. Someone should’ve been there to rescue you,” another stated.

“But we find hope; we find peace in Christ. You don’t have to live in shame and darkness; you can run to God’s light and forgiveness and grace and mercy.”

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

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‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis