On this site you will find a variety of resources concerning images of the fetus or embryo thoughout history. Patriarchal culture has stigmatized women who choose abortion, turning them and their health care providers into objects of hatred and persecution. I hope that these writings and images will be helpful to those who have experienced abortions and the cultural conflict surrounding them, as well as those who may be questioning the morality of abortion.
In Many Cultures Angels and Spirits Represent Fetuses
A survey of 400 ancient cultures found evidence that nearly every one practiced abortion. Without effective contraceptives, women who did not have the food, love and other resources to give to an additional child often had no other choice but abortion. Aborted fetuses were seen as messengers to the gods and many cultures have venerated the still born, the miscarriage and the abortion as angel, fairy or water spirit. Cherubs, Polynesian Tiki gods and the Jizo dolls of Buddhist Japan are examples. Read my article, "A History of Angels," for the in-depth story.
Find Your Own Spirit Image to Help Heal the Abortion Experience
Earth Island Angels are the modern version of the Tiki god or the Cherub. Like the Buddhist Jizo dolls, we can use these icons to focus our thoughts and prayers for healing. Earth Island Angels can be anything. Angels and fairies are very popular today and lovely images of them can be found everywhere. Put an angel or a fairy on your personal altar or sacred space and use it to remind you of the sad but sometimes necessary sacrifice of abortion. Use it to give thanks that we have much better contraceptives today than our ancestors did. Give thanks that we rarely have to resort to abortion. Give thanks also for the lives of millions of women that have been saved by access to safe, legal abortion.
Visit the Earth Island Angels Gallery
I have created my own Earth Island Angels in the image of an embryo with butterfly wings. These images remind me of the wondrous biological diversity of the Earth as represented by the thousands of species of butterflies. When I see these images I am reminded that because I chose to end my accidental pregnancies, there are two fewer human beings on the earth impacting the habitat of butterflies and other creatures. They make me feel good about the decision I made because I have left more room on Earth for nature to flourish. Go to the gallery to see them and to angels for an in-depth article. You'll find a prayer, poster, bibliography and other materials on the resource pages.
And here is a slideshow presentation that covers the material in "A History of Angels" and more:
