Healing After Abortion: Finding Redemption, Intimacy, and Hope in Christ with Brittany Poppe

Written By Michelle Castro

In this candid and heart-stirring episode of the Rip It Off Podcast, Michelle Castro is joined by Brittany Poppe, a wife, mom, and pro-life advocate, to talk about one of the most deeply personal and often-silenced experiences: abortion. But this conversation is so much more. It’s about shame, redemption, intimacy in marriage, and how God meets us right in the middle of our mess.

Here are the powerful themes we unpacked:

1. The Weight of Secrecy and the Power of Sharing

Brittany shares how carrying the secret of her abortion for years was emotionally and spiritually heavy. Opening up about her experience not only led to freedom but also gave other women the courage to seek healing—and even pursue a relationship with Jesus.

"That secret kept me stuck. But when I shared it, God used it to free me—and others."

2. Shame’s Impact on Intimacy in Marriage

Though married and committed, Brittany struggled with intimacy. The emotional wounds from her past abortion, compounded by the influence of purity culture, left her feeling like sex—even in marriage—was wrong or dangerous.

"Intimacy is more than just sex, but shame tells you you're unworthy of even that."

3. Purity Culture and the Miseducation Around Biblical Intimacy

Both Michelle and Brittany reflect on how the message of purity was often reduced to "don’t have sex until marriage." That left many women, like Brittany, unprepared to view sex as a beautiful, God-designed connection within marriage.

"I thought sex was only for men, and that once I messed up, I’d never get it right."

4. Renewing Your Mind Daily (Romans 12 Style)

Brittany and Michelle emphasize the importance of replacing lies with truth—every single day. The enemy loves to attack our thinking, but God's Word gives us the framework for lasting freedom and healing.

"If I don’t start the day reminding myself of the truth, the enemy wins."

5. Understanding and Building Intimacy Beyond the Bedroom

As a wife whose love language is not physical touch (while her husband's is!), Brittany shares how learning to connect through simple, thoughtful acts—like holding hands or sitting closer on the couch—helped restore emotional closeness in her marriage.

"Intimacy isn’t just sex. It’s connection, vulnerability, and service."

6. Hope for Women with a Painful Past

This episode is for any woman who thinks her past defines her future. Whether you've had an abortion, struggled with shame, or felt disqualified from love and intimacy—this is your reminder that God's grace covers it all.

"You are not your past. God redeems, restores, and makes all things new."

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to the Full Episode: 🎧 Apple Podcasts
📺 YouTube

Follow and Connect:

Support the Podcast: ☕ BuyMeACoffee.com/itsmemichellecastro

Final Word: This isn’t just a podcast episode. It’s a grace-filled conversation that reminds us all: God’s not done with your story. Whatever your past looks like, He’s ready to redeem it in full.

#HealingAfterAbortion #BiblicalIntimacy #ShameToFreedom #RipItOffPodcast #ChristianMarriage #FaithAndForgiveness

Michelle Castro
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Breaking Free from Purity Culture: Redefining Intimacy in Christian Marriage with Kingdom Sexuality