In this episode of Family Matters, Simon speaks with Marina Young, co-founder of the Buttons Project, which aims to provide mental, emotional, and spiritual healing to individuals affected by abortion. Marina shares that the initiative, which began in 2008 with her husband, allows people to send in buttons as a tangible acknowledgment of the babies lost to abortion, providing a starting point for healing. Marina recounts poignant stories, including an elderly woman finally acknowledging her backstreet abortion and a man in prison expressing his grief. The project now includes a virtual memorial where people can submit images and stories online.
Marina discusses efforts to foster a supportive community where both men and women feel safe to express their grief. She highlights the importance of validating these emotions to facilitate healing. The discussion also touches on the project’s expansion into offering recovery programs and the international reach of the initiative.
A significant focus of the conversation is the upcoming physical memorial garden in South Auckland. The memorial will feature a carving by prisoners, integrating over 20,000 buttons received over the years. This garden aims to create a peaceful space for reflection and acknowledgment of loss. Marina emphasises the importance of compassion and non-judgmental support in helping individuals navigate their complex emotions surrounding abortion.
This episode underscores the profound impact of the Buttons Project in providing comfort and fostering healing for tens of thousands of people.
