Women Encouraged to Speak Out About Their Abortion Experience

The campaign is entitled: "Silent No More - Women speak out about their abortion experience." The campaign will also seek to reach the many women who are suffering in silence, offering them abortion recovery, help and resources.

Please spread the word about the campaign. Encourage women who regret their abortion to participate in it!

The campaign is being sponsored by a partnership between NOEL (the National Organization of Episcopalians for Life), the Justice Foundation and Priests for Life. In addition, we have also developed an ad hoc coalition of abortion recovery programs to provide the support and healing for women who come forward when they learn help is available. Members of the coalition include; Care-Net Pregnancy Centers, Heartbeat International, Ramah International, Rachel's Vineyard, Project Rachel, NOPARH (National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing), Hope Alive USA, The Elliot Institute, The Chalfont House, American Victims of Abortion, an outreach program of the National Right to Life Committee and many others.

Women who have experienced abortion are invited to participate in the Silent No More event in their state or at the event taking place in our nations capitol. More than 35 states will hold Silent No More events at various times during the week of January 18-26, 2003. The event in Washington, D.C. will take place on January 22, 2003 after the March for Life.

As a woman who had an abortion at age 16, I believe we are the voice that hasn't been heard. There is a lot of talk about whether or not abortion should be legal, but very little attention is given to the women who have actually had abortions. I regret having an abortion and I know that there are millions of women who feel the same way. The truth is abortion affects us physically, emotionally and spiritually. It's time to speak honestly about the pain we've lived with and we want to help women who are hurting find healing. After 30 years it's time to listen to the women who have experienced it. Silent No More needs to connect with women who regret their abortion and are ready to speak out. During the events, each woman is encouraged to participate by sharing a brief testimony, and the rest of the time holding a sign that reads "I Regret My Abortion." While the campaign is encouraging women to speak publicly, we recognize not everyone is comfortable doing so. Therefore, we also invite women to join us and simply hold a sign as their testimony

The goal is to have as many women as possible participate in the Silent No More events. You can direct women to sign up by going to the Silent No More website www.HelpAfterAbortion.com  or by calling 800-707-6635. More information will be sent to them after they register.