Women Publicly Acknowledge Abortion Grief at Nation's Capitol

1/20/2003

From: Georgette Forney, 412-398-7885 (cell) or Georgette@NOELforLife.org Susan Mosley, 662-574-2463 or CelebrateGrace@aol.com

News Advisory:

Women from across the country who have had abortions will gather on Jan. 22 in Washington, D.C. to speak about their experience. Many of the women will share their stories while others hold signs that read, "I Regret My Abortion."

The women will gather as part of the "Silent No More" campaign, a campaign recently launched by a group of women who have had abortions. The goal of the campaign is to share the truth that abortion hurts women, and if you're a woman hurting, there is help.

Actress, model and author, Jennifer O'Neill, has joined the "Silent No More" campaign as their national spokesperson. As a woman forced to abort, Ms. O'Neill understands the pain. "To have the opportunity to encourage and comfort the hearts of women who have suffered is humbling, and making the whole truth known about abortion is absolutely necessary," said O'Neill. Ms. O'Neill will also share her testimony at the gathering.

"Very little attention has been given to those who have had abortions. After 30 years, it's time for us to speak up," said Georgette Forney, executive director of NOEL and a co-founder of "Silent No More," who had an abortion at age 16. "Abortion advocates say, 'there is no research to support the claim that abortion hurts women,' but while they deny the existence of the problem, we find ourselves very busy helping women who are hurting."

Susan Renne Mosley, Founder of Celebrating Grace and co-founder of "Silent No More," who had an abortion at age 15, said, "It's time to speak honestly about the pain we've lived with. We want to help women who are hurting from abortion find peace. This campaign will let them know they're not alone. They don't have to live their life in pain. There is hope and healing. They need to know about the programs, books and resources available to help them."

Many women struggle with their pain alone because they are fearful that they will be condemned or their feelings will be dismissed, while others are convinced that they're the only one hurting. The campaign wants hurting women to know they can call 800-395-HELP for help, or visit the website http://www.pregnancycenters.org or http://www.HelpAfterAbortion.org.

The "Silent No More" event will be held at the Supreme Court Building from 5-8 pm on Jan. 22, 2003.