Contact: Patricia C. Jean, www.patriciacjean.com

TORONTO, Ont., May 18, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Over 50 million abortions have been performed in the United States since 1973, over 3 million have been performed in Canada since 1970, and more than 6 million have occurred in the UK since the legalization of abortion in 1969.

This is heartbreaking news for any pro-lifer; but for those of the Christian faith, the more tragic news is the somber reality that the problem is not just "out there."

The Church should be a safe place for people to share their shortcomings without fear of judgment, but statistics indicate that unplanned pregnancy among singles is possibly still regarded as one of the ultimate sins. According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, about 37% of American women who aborted a child in 2008 claimed to be of the Protestant faith, and 28% claimed to be Roman Catholic. 1 in 5 professed to be born again, evangelical, charismatic or fundamentalist; and 15% reported attending religious services at least once a week.

Counsellors who serve post-abortive men and women within the Christian community suspect that many individuals in the Church suffer from the aftermath of abortion, including family members, friends, Christian leaders and anyone who has ever actively or passively influenced a woman to choose abortion.

Fear of condemnation makes it difficult for people to share their pain and hinders them from achieving their full spiritual potential. "Confronting the Silence: Addressing the Issues of Pregnancy and Abortion among Singles in the Church" explores reasons that Christian singles choose abortion when faced with an unplanned pregnancy, the psychological and spiritual fallout for those who have taken an active or passive role in an abortion, and the spiritual implications for the Church. The book also suggests proactive steps that the Christian community can take to reduce unplanned pregnancies and abortions, and practical ways to support unwed mothers.

Patricia C. Jean is a first-time author and Christian single who experienced an unplanned pregnancy in her late thirties, after coming to the faith. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her 9-year-old son.

"Confronting the Silence: Addressing the Issues of Pregnancy and Abortion among Singles in the Church" is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.