Support for those struggling after an abortion or during a crisis pregnancy

RAISE YOUR BANNER… IN 3 STEPS

Statistically, about 1 in 3 of your friends (girls and guys) will have an abortion story in their lifetime and 1 in 2 of your friends will experience an unplanned pregnancy at some point. Often your friends navigate these circumstances in isolation without letting you know because of shame, fear of judgment, and stigma.

But if you knew your friends were struggling in these circumstances, wouldn’t you want them to not be afraid and reach out?

Here’s how you can let them know! By completing the 3 Steps below, you can preemptively offer your safe friendship (that is, “raise your banner”) to those you love who might be silently struggling in a crisis pregnancy or from a past abortion either now or in the future.

STEP 1

READ AND SIGN THE MANIFESTO

ITWY’s “We Are A Banner” manifesto is a declaration of the movement’s heart and purpose. By signing it, you’re declaring you’re in the ITWY family!

Click to Expand the Manifesto

MANIFESTO

We are a banner raised for you.
For you, our friend facing a hidden and wearisome pregnancy.
For you, our loved one silently struggling with a past abortion.
Though you haven’t told us yet,
We want to be in this with you.

We are a banner yearning to blanket you
With safe conversations and long hugs,
Listening ears that will not judge,
Prayers for a heart made whole,
And the promise to stand beside you.

We are a banner that refuses to be lifted as a weapon,
For many assume that the only way is a political warpath,
Full of slogans picketed on cardboard signs like swords,
But our path surrenders to see no people as enemies and seeks no earthly battles.
Rather for you we are places of refuge from the fight.

We are a banner woven with the fabric of Jesus
Which radiates his good news for all of us,
That mercy triumphs over judgment,
Vulnerability cripples shame,
Authenticity silences stigma,
Empathy overwhelms isolation,
Courage dethrones fear,
And love heals all wounds.

So, we raise our banner high for you
As a preemptive invitation of sorts
To pledge that we are in this with you.
So that if and when you need us,
You can reach out.
Because friend,
We love you,
You matter,
And you don’t have to be alone.

STEP 2

LEARN HOW TO HELP YOUR FRIENDS

The desire to help your friends is important, but you also need wisdom on what to do and what not to do!

Read through the following two documents to prepare yourself for how best to help your friend.

Walking with a Friend Through a Crisis Pregnancy

Walking with a Friend Struggling with a Past Abortion

STEP 3

RAISE YOUR BANNER ON SOCIAL MEDIA

You have friends that need to know that you are a safe person to open to. You also have friends that would love to join the movement but don’t know about it yet!

Complete the three actions below to “raise your banner” and let them know!