The discussions are endless. The back and forth between pro-life advocates and the pro-choice crowd has lasted for decades. Statistics, experiences, and excuses…but sometimes what speaks the loudest is something which does not make a sound.
An empty cradle, an unused baby blanket, a face that wears years of regret and pain. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and you may agree when you look at Angela Forker’s new photography series.
The Indiana-based photographer has expanded her comfort zone to get the message across.
“I am a newborn photographer,” she explains. “I normally photograph babies in bright, cheerful and whimsical settings. When God spoke to me to start this series of post-abortive women, I was shocked! But when He showed me His heart of love and compassion for these women, I was willing to do whatever He asked me to do, so that lives might be touched by the power of photography.”
With faith as her driving force, Forker set out on a project she hoped would change hearts and bring healing. The photography series “After the Abortion” was published in March 2019. The new series depicts dark, almost haunting photos of post-abortive women. It tells their stories, shows their pain and reveals their deep regret through pictures.
“God is using these photos and these ladies’ stories to speak where words may not reach people,” Forker said. “These photos are showing people that you can’t just have an abortion and think there won’t be consequences. These women have carried this great pain for decades.”
When she started the project earlier this year, she had no shortage of women to work with. Dozens have reached out to her writing about their abortion stories. Many traveling far distances to come and be a part of the project.
“I found that a lot of these women just really want someone to talk to,” she said. “I have women driving hours—and even flying from California, Alabama and Florida to be a part of this project!”
One particular photography session that left Forker in tears was with a woman named Rochelle. Rochelle works with Silent No More, an organization which makes the public aware of the devastating consequences of abortion.
“I always ask participants if they have kept anything related to their abortion or healing,” Forker said. “Rochelle brought several very touching items. One was this baby blanket that has been stained with her tears over the years. I found myself crying as I took her photo and more of her tears flowed onto that blanket. Only God knows how many tears she has shed. How beautiful that God cares about every one of those tears.”
So many women have expressed to Forker that if someone had been there to talk to them about their alternatives, they would not have gone through with the abortion. Often times women feel forced or coerced into the procedure. She points out the importance of sidewalk counselors, and how often they save lives.
Hope and Healing Found
Her hope for this project is for the pro-choice advocates to see the great pain that can come from abortions and for pro-lifers to increase compassion for those who have made the often regretful decision.
Thankfully, many are finding healing through this experience and through their faith in God. Forker says the stories and photos of redemption are touching many lives, showing them that God is merciful and loves each one, offering them forgiveness and healing for their souls.
“I weep over every story,” Forker said. “I literally sit at my computer and cry as I read every one of these ladies’ stories. With each story, my heart gains a new understanding and I’m driven to create more powerful images so that women might be spared this terrible pain…and that ultimately, babies might be saved.”
To see the ongoing photograph series in its entirety and to learn more about Angela Forker please visit her Facebook page.
Here is a few examples:
Lisa is a wife, mom and former ABC television journalist and current freelance writer who is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, spreading truth and speaking for the voiceless.
