Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Ask Your Senators to Vote Against Sotomayor

I received this important email from the Americans United for Life (AUL) and I hope anyone who sees this will also respond. The letter says:

Dear George,

Earlier today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the next Justice on the US Supreme Court to the full Senate for a vote. That vote is expected to happen in the next few days. During the hearings on her nomination, I hoped that she would repudiate the radical views of the pro-abortion legal advocacy group on whose board she sat for 12 years - the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (PRLDEF).

During that time, the PRLDEF filed six amicus briefs before the Court arguing that any limitation on abortion should be struck down.Unfortunately, Judge Sotomayor did not offer any reassurance that she will be anything other than a strong promoter of abortion if confirmed to the Supreme Court.So, I provided testimony before the Committee and explained why it was necessary for us to oppose her confirmation to the Court.Now, I need you to join your voice with mine.

Will you contact your Senators and ask them to vote against the confirmation of Judge Sotomayor to be the next Justice on the US Supreme Court?
http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=OJfN08Hz9-h9BSZCXWwVjg

We've set up a page on the AUL Action web site that makes it easy to do. And then, please ask your friends and family to do the same.
http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=gQ8ZUu2vw960KNhxeYofEg

This is a crucial time.

Thank you for helping.

For life,
CharmaineCharmaine Yoest, Ph.D.
President & CEO
AUL Action

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Stop TheAbortion Mandate

I received this in an email today and want to share it here. Please forward this to all those you know might be interested.

Please join me at StopTheAbortionMandate.com<http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=Nahx2blIwrfm3kY8oovnzA..> this Thursday,July 23, at 9 p.m (Eastern) for a critical webcast.

Powerful abortion industry lobbyists and Washington bureaucrats have justlaunched a massive effort to mandate taxpayer-funded abortions as part oftheir proposed trillion-dollar healthcare takeover.

With this power grab, the abortion industry and its political allies intendto:

* Force taxpayers to fund a huge abortion-industry bailout --something the majority of Americans oppose, and certainly cannot afford inthese tough economic times

* Mandate that virtually every American be forced into a health planthat includes abortion coverage

* Require honorable medical providers to violate their consciences andperform abortions -- or risk losing their jobs

* Impose one of the cornerstones of the<http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=2LNEonD4477rWnoXsquVdg..> "Freedom of ChoiceAct" (FOCA) by stealth

The New York Times just ran a prominent<http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=G7AaStZv19Fs4oZIrV-Okg..> story confirmingthat an "administration official refused Sunday to rule out the possibilitythat federal tax money might be used to pay for abortions under proposedhealth care legislation.

"Put bluntly, these proposed measures could lead to the largest abortionexpansion since Roe v. Wade.

This abortion mandate must be stopped.

Learn what's at stake -- and discover how YOU can help to stop this abortionmandate by joining a one-time-only live webcast event this Thursday, July23, at 9 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Pacific, 7 p.m. Mountain, 8 p.m. Central.)
<http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=2rLFGX3NJeWwesea4_2uAw..>
<http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=2rLFGX3NJeWwesea4_2uAw..> Stop The AbortionMandate.com <http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=2rLFGX3NJeWwesea4_2uAw..>

To register for the webcast, go to: StopTheAbortionMandate.com<http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=9CC1fdhLFm7j67fWw75_LA..>

The live event will be approximately 70 minutes long. There's no charge toparticipate. If you have access to the Internet -- even with a dial-upconnection -- you can listen in on the live webcast audio and submitquestions.

During this nationwide event, you will discover:

* The shocking facts about the sweeping legislation that the politicalpower brokers are trying to ram through before Congress goes on summerrecess

* The devastating implications of the proposed mandates -- facts theabortion industry doesn't want Americans to hear

* Why respected leaders, national organizations, and pro-life peopleare joining together in record numbers to challenge this power grab

* The exact action steps YOU can take to make a difference at thiscrucial moment

* And much more!

In an historic display of unity, pro-life and pro-family organizations arejoining together for the Stop the Abortion Mandate webcast. I will bespeaking along with other nationally known and respected leaders, including:

* Tony Perkins, Family Research Council
* Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
* Wendy Wright, Concerned Women for America
* Congressman Chris Smith, U.S. House of Representatives
* Kristan Hawkins, Students for Life of America
* Dr. Richard Land, Southern Baptist Convention Ethics and ReligiousLiberties Commission

* Congressman Joe Pitts, U.S. House of Representatives

The announcement of this important webcast is being sent out to hundreds ofthousands of pro-lifers across America, and there is limited space availablefor the live event, so you are strongly encouraged to register now. Reserveyour place at StopTheAbortionMandate.com<http://action.aul.org/site/R?i=ugWg8zZilxyZ_qB3y_BkKw..> .

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

I know that some would say that neither I nor any man has a right to speak on this issue, but what I'm saying is in agreement with what many women believe also. Even so, this is not merely a woman's issue; it is a human issue and concerns all of us, both men and women, old and young, and the unborn especially.

"Freedom of choice" vs. the right to life

Although many view this as a merely political issue, it is truly much greater than that. It is a spiritual and moral matter. But in the political environment, abortion is treated simply as a matter of a woman's right to do with her body as she chooses, and according to this they say that abortion should remain legal. But the choice to do what? The baby in the womb is not the woman's body, or even part of her body as if a mere appendage to be removed at her will. The baby in her womb is an individual person with the right to life. Whatever right a woman has to with her own body as she chooses, that right does not extend to doing what she would with someone else's body. The baby in the womb is not her body, but someone else's.

Some say that they are against abortion, but that they feel they cannot deny a woman the "right" to choose to have an abortion. But that is like someone saying "I believe slavery is wrong, I would never own a slave but I’m "pro-choice". I don’t want to impose my morality on anyone. Other people should have the right to own slaves." But all human beings have equal dignity and worth no matter what their race or religion, and that includes the child developing in the mother’s womb.

Abortion is the holocaust of our day. The personhood and right to life of unborn chidlren is denied. To deny a human beings personhood, or even to deny they are human at all has been a way to justify all kinds of crimes again God and humanity. The Nazis did it to the Jews and the disabled, and others have done it to indigenous people's throughout the world. The de-humanization tactic makes it easier to deny a person's rights and even to kill them when they become an incovenience. Unlike other oppressed people, the unborn cannot fight back; they cannot even speak up for themselves and proclaim their rights. We must raise our voices on their behalf.


The dark origins of Planned Parenthood

Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, published articles in support of eugenics, a practice employed by the Nazis in Germany, with their plan to create a "master race" by eliminating those they deemed inferior.

Consider these quotes from Margaret Sanger:

From one of her publicaitons, Margaret Sanger said:

"The most merciful thing that a family does to one of its infant members is to kill it.'' `Birth control must lead ultimately to a cleaner race. -- Margaret Sanger, Woman, Morality, and Birth Control. New York: New York Publishing Company, 1922. Page 12.

In a letter by Margaret Sanger to Dr. Clarence Gamble dated, December 19, 1939, she said:

"We should hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds, and with engaging personalities. The most successful education approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal. We don't want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if
it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members." -- [Margaret Sanger's December 19, 1939 letter to Dr. Clarence Gamble, 255 Adams Street, Milton, Massachusetts. Original source: Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College, North Hampton, Massachusetts. Also described in Linda Gordon's Woman's Body, Woman's Right: A Social History of Birth Control in America. New York: Grossman Publishers, 1976.]

Margaret Sanger also said in the 'Birth Control Review', dated October 1921:

"As an advocate of birth control I wish ...to point out that the unbalance between the birth rate of the `unfit' and the `fit,' admittedly the greatest present menace to civilization, can never be rectified by the inauguration of a cradle competition between these two classes. In this matter, the example of the inferior classes, the fertility of the feeble-minded, the mentally defective, the poverty-stricken classes, should not be held up for emulation...On the contrary, the most urgent problem today is how to limit and discourage the over-fertility of the mentally and physically defective." -- [Margaret Sanger. ``The Eugenic Value of Birth Control Propaganda.'' Birth Control Review, October 1921, page 5.]

In the following quote, Margaret Sanger further advocates the evil aims of eugenics:

"The campaign for birth control is not merely of eugenic value, but is practically identical with the final aims of eugenics. -- [Margaret Sanger. ``The Eugenic Value of Birth Control Propaganda.'' Birth Control Review, October 1921, page 5.]

Margaret Sanger also said:

"Our failure to segregate morons who are increasing and multiplying ..... demonstrates our foolhardy and extravagant sentimentalism .... . [Philanthropists] encourage the healthier and more normal sections of the world to shoulder the burden of unthinking and indiscriminate fecundity of others; which brings with it, as I think the reader must agree, a dead weight of human waste. Instead of decreasing and aiming to eliminate the stocks that are most detrimental to the future of the race and the world, it tends to render them to a menacing degree dominant ..... We are paying for, and even submitting to, the dictates of an ever-increasing, unceasingly spawning class of human beings who never should have been born at all." -- [Margaret Sanger. The Pivot of Civilization, 1922. Chapter on ``The Cruelty of Charity,'' pages 116, 122, and 189. Swarthmore College Library edition.]

Margaret Sanger also makes herself judge of who is worthy to procreate when she says:

The undeniably feeble-minded should, indeed, not only be discouraged but prevented from propagating their kind. -- [Margaret Sanger, quoted in Charles Valenza. ``Was Margaret Sanger a Racist?'' Family Planning Perspectives, January-February 1985, page 44.]

The outrageous notions of Margaret Sanger are also made known when she says:

"The third group [of society] are those irresponsible and reckless ones having little regard for the consequences of their acts, or whose religious scruples prevent their exercising control over their numbers. Many of this group are diseased, feeble-minded, and are of the pauper element dependent upon the normal and fit members of society for their support. There is no doubt in the minds of all thinking people that the procreation of this group should be stopped." -- [Margaret Sanger. Speech quoted in Birth Control: What It Is, How It Works, What It Will Do. The Proceedings of the First American Birth Control Conference. Held at the Hotel Plaza, New York City, November 11-12, 1921. Published by the Birth Control Review, Gothic Press, pages 172 and 174.]

In another quote, Margaret Sanger poses the following choice for people she considers inferior:

"Give dysgenic groups [people with `bad genes'] in our population their choice of segregation or [compulsory] sterilization." -- [Margaret Sanger, April 1932 Birth Control Review.]

I wonder if President Obama is aware that Planned Parenthood, to which he has made promises in support of abortion "rights", was founded by someone who would have considered him inferior because of the color of his skin. I wonder if other pro-abortion politicians who are also African-American are aware of the evil they support.

It doesn't excuse Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) to consider how it gave its Margaret Sanger award to the late Dr. Martin Luther King in 1966, or that one of its former presidents, Faye Wattleton, was black. Although Planned parenthood may appear benign today in the eyes of some, supposedly caring for the rights of women, the grim reality of abortion and birth control are interwoven with the dark beginnings of Planned Parenthood.


Irish Catholics and the fight for life

There is an article by Fr. Peter West, Priest Associate, Priests for Life. It is called "To Be True To Our Irish-Catholic Heritage is to Be Pro-Life". He wrote it after addressing the Pennsylvania State Convention of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.


After addressing the Pennsylvania State Convention of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fr. West reflected on his own Irish heritage and its connection to his pro-life convictions.

He tells about the Ancient Order of Hibernians being founded to defend the Catholic Church and her priests from attacks by British invaders, and how the Hibernians are called to defend the faith and build a culture of life and civilization of love, where each and every human life will be welcomed, protected, nurtured and loved from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death.

He also recalls St. Patrick, who came to bring the Catholic Christian Faith to the people of Ireland, and how the vision of St. Patrick helped to renew all of Europe in the midst of the Dark Ages. Irish monks helped to spread the Gospel throughout Europe, where people came to know the saving power of Christ, Who is the way, and the truth, and the life. And He Who is life said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they may have life and may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

The thief can manifest in different forms to attack the order of God and His designs, to prevent the truth from being known. In such disorder, good is called evil, and evil good. Those who work to protect the lives of even of the most helpless among us, are accused of denying freedom of choice to others, and those who would take these lives for their own convenience are protected and their actions are called "rights". Such a thing exists today in the form of legalized abortion. Whether legal or not, abortion is an attack on life and truth, and as Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life put it, "is the very oppsite of love".

Today in Europe, Ireland has some of the strictest laws limiting abortion. Yet today there are many pressures on Ireland to become like the rest of Europe and adopt practices alien to its faith. International Planned Parenthood Federation, based in London, promotes contraception, sterilization and abortion around the world. Some countries consider this a form of contraceptive imperialism and resent this intrusion into their native cultures and religions. Planned
Parenthood views the Catholic Church as their chief obstacle in promoting their anti-life agenda.

Irish Catholics as well as all Catholics and other Christians throughout the world have a duty to resist the encroaching culture of death and build a culture of life. As Fr. West says in his article, the pro-life movement in Ireland is alive and well, and leading the way are the Irish youth. The Pro-Life Campaign is the largest pro-life group in Ireland. It is led by young people in their twenties and thirties.

Irish Catholics in the United States can also make our greatest contribution to United States by remaining true to our faith and our Irish-Catholic heritage. Although there is already an enormous Irish-Catholic presence in the pro-life movement in the United States, the pro-life movement and America need more Irish-Catholic Americans to be actively involved in aiding pre-born children and women with unplanned pregnancies. Among some Irish-Americans involved in the Pro-Life movement are Fathers Quinn, Wilde, Hogan and Fr. West himself, who are involved with the group called Priests For Life.


The Witness of Sacred Scripture

Some who are reading this now are perhaps Christian, yet sadly even some Christians are "pro-choice". If you are, I want to speak to you from Sacred Scripture, which gives a strong witness to the sanctity of life even in the womb:

For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. (Luke 1:44)

Although still within the womb incapable of conscious reasonable thought, the baby is still alive and with a soul. Only a livng soul can experience the presense of joy.

Whereas unbelievers will deny this, there is no excuse for the Christian to support abortion, having been taught about things pertaining to the spiritual life. This being so, let's consider carefully what is said in the following passages of Holy Scripture:

Psalm 139:13 For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me right well;
15 my frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.
16 Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

From these passages from the Book of Psalms and Jeremiah, it is seen that it is the Lord Himself Who forms the baby in the womb; His unseen hand guiding the course of nature, of which He is the Creator. He is Sovereign over all life, and yet many presume to unlawfully take the Lord's authority upon themselves and call the killing of the unborn a "right".

Just before Pope John Paul II left the United States in 1987 he said the following at Detroit Airport:

"Every human no matter how vulnerable or helpless, no matter how young or how old, no matter how healthy, handicapped, or sick no matter how useful or productive for society is a being of inestimable worth created in the image of God. This is the dignity of America, the reason she exists, the condition for her survival yes, the ultimate test of her greatness; to respect every human person, especially the weakest and most defenseless ones, those as yet unborn."

Dr. Albert Schweitzer once said "Whenever there is lost consciousness of the fact that every man is an object of concern for us just because he is a man, civilization and morals are shaken, and the advance to fully developed inhumanity is only a matter of time."


Church and state

There is much talk in America about the separation between Church and State, as if this excludes the possibility of outlawing abortion. But the First Amendment merely forbids the establishment of a state religion whether it be the Catholic Church or any other faith. The Founding Fathers didn't intend a separation of law and morality.

To those who make the claim that the government has no place in legislaitng morality, I agree to an extent. But there are things that most all can agree are gravely immoral and ought to be
outlawed, like rape, murder, theft, etc., and there are laws against them, although some would like to think that they have the "right" to do such things. So with certain limits, the government can and ought to pass laws which protect the people, even those still in the womb of their mothers.

Freedom of choice, does not include a "right" to kill someone because they are seen as an inconvenience. True freedom of choice respects the sanctity of life for all people.


The so-called Freedom Of Choice Act (FOCA)

While many are trying to call abortion a choice which should be protected, and which governments unfortunately support, there is the danger in America of taking away the rights of those of us who are Pro-Life.

Consider also the so-called Freedom Of Choice Act, which Barack Obama said he would sign when he became President. He made a promise to Planned Parenthood that he would sign the "Freedom of Choice Act." "The first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing I’d do.", said Obama. Although he has not done so, it is a promise which Planned Parenthood expects him to keep, and there remains the danger of it happening.

Among the things that the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" would do, would be to force faith-based hospitals and healthcare facilities to perform abortions. Right now there are laws which protect a right of conscientious objection to abortion, but under Obama's "Freedom Of Choice Act", the freedom of choice for pro-life doctors and nurses to abstain from committing abortions would be taken away.

U.S. Senator and practicing obstetrician Dr. Tom Coburn told CNSNews.com that he was willing to defy the law if President Obama tries to force pro-life doctors into doing abortions:

"I think a lot of us will go to jail. Let’s see them prosecute the first one of us for not doing that.", Dr. Tom Coburn said.

Americans United for Life (AUL) and AUL Action joined with allied groups to create the Freedom2Care coalition and fight back.

Also, FOCA would do away with state laws on parental involvement, on partial birth abortion, and on all other protections. Currently, thirty-six states across America require some form of parental notification or consent prior to an abortion involving a minor child. These laws are supported by 80% of the American people. In addition to the obvious reason that parents need to be involved when their child undergoes a medical procedure, these laws also protect young girls from sexual abuse. Why does President Obama oppose these parental involvement laws that protect children from sexual abuse?

The mainstream media has refused to ask these questions to Obama. Why has he promised Planned Parenthood that he would sign legislation which would eliminate ALL of the common-sense parental involvement laws across the country?

FOCA would also prevent states from enacting protective measures in the future. We must oppose [such actions which are a great threat to the unborn] so-called "pro-choice" politicians of any party. Our duty to uphold the right to life must not be superseded by any interest political or otherwise.

Whether you are American or not, we can all spread the word, and help each other know what's going on so that those who are able, may take action.

Beware also of FOCA-By-Stealth. Abortion advocates are counting on the economy and other pressing issues to divert the attention of the American people so they can surreptitiously and with little resistance advance their pro-abortion agenda. Read more about FOCA-By-Stealth at www.aul.org/FOCA_by_stealth


Abortion in the case of rape

When a woman becomes pregnant resulting from rape, whether by a stranger or someone the woman knows, it is said by some that it would be wrong and unreasonable, even inhumane, to refuse the woman access to an abortion, and that the baby would be a perpetual reminder of what happened to her.

Most certainly, the greatest care and compassion should be shown to all women who have been violated in such a terrible way, and her welfare should be of great concern. And in caring for the woman, we cannot overlook consideration for the baby's right to life, who did not ask to be conceived. Yet if the woman chooses to have an abortion, then the baby is killed because of the crime of the man.

A woman named Geri Riggs of Sturgis, South Dakota who became pregnant as the result of rape, asked the question: "How can we say that the innocent have to die for their father’s sins?" Speaking from personal experience, Geri also said:

"Being a victim of rape did not exempt me from the devastation of abortion. It added to it." She even went as far as to say that she could endure another rape if she had to but was emphatic that she "could NEVER, EVER survive another abortion."

Geri testifies of the deep mental, emotional and spiritual pain to which the abortion led. She says that it was through faith in God and the healing power of His mercy and forgiveness that she found healing through the Blood of Christ, Who washes away all sin.

Geri's story is not uncommon. There are many women who have had abortions and suffer deep emotional and spiritual trauma as a result; a trauma that those at Planned Parenthood do not warn them about, nor do most others who are pro-abortion, yet claim to care for the woman's well being.


The life of the mother

Another argument some people make is about when a woman's life is at risk. But what parent wouldn't give their own life to save the life of their child? That goes for women and men both. Again, I feel I should make the point that there are many women who say the same thing I'm saying about this.

The matter comes down to a simple question: Is the baby in the womb a living person with a soul from the first moment of conception or not? We believe that life does begin at conception. If someone doesn't believe life begins at conception, then can they prove it? If they cannot prove that life doesn't begin at conception, then they must admit that it might, which means that abortion might actually be killing living people.

To highlight the point of the personhood of pre-born babies, consider this scenario:

A mother is carrying her baby in her arms one day, and an assailant jumps in front of her with a gun and is about to shoot her. She holds the baby up in front of her to shield herself from the bullet to save her life; the baby dies, and she lives. What would be thought of such a mother? There would be outrage at what she did. Most would have shielded their baby from the gun with their own body, and rather die themselves instead of the baby.

Consider for a moment that the first woman had little time to consider what she was doing. She panicked and acted wrongly. But the woman who has an abortion has days, perhaps weeks and even months to consider whether or not to have an abortion to save her own life. Yet the first woman is condemned for her deed, while the woman who has an abortion to save her own life is accepted and her deed is considered a "right".

In any case, is it not the act of a mother who loves her children to give her life for the child? How is it then, that a mother can see fit to let the baby she carries in her womb be killed so that she may live? Whether it is the mother in the scenario above who let her baby take a bullet for her, or a mother who has an abortion to save her own life, in either situation, the mother holds the baby up to die to save herself.

Even still, some stick with the argument that it's merely about "choice", and that if someone chooses to give their life for annother that's their choice, but that no one has the right to force someone to give their life for another. In a certain way I would agree with that. For example, if a person sees someone about to be killed and is able to save the person by dying in their place, they may or may not choose to do so. It is their choice, but there is a difference. In one instance, a person may merely refrain from making that sacrifice, but in an abortion, a woman wilfully chooses not merely to refrain from making the sacrifice, but to kill the baby in order to save her own life.

Still more, some might say it is a matter of self defense. Although we certainly have the right to defend our lives, there is still a difference when it comes to abortion. In one case, we defend ourselves from an attacker who wilfully and maliciously attempts to kill, but in the case of an abortion, the baby has no intention of doing anyone harm at all, yet is killed to save one's own life. That cannot be rightly called self defense.


Harmful affects of abortion on the women to have them

Another reality that the liberal media seems to ignore is the negative impact that abortion has on the mental health of women.

It is known that abortion can cause physical injuries to the woman during the abortion procedure, even in so-called "safe", "legal" abortion "clinics". Abortion can even cause the death of the woman. There is increased risk of infertility and there is evidence that it can increase the risk of breast cancer. Not only is there danger to a woman's physical health, but the deep, emotional pain that results from abortion and its effect on the mental health of women is beginning to be recognized by some in the mental health community.


In Great Britain, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has recognized the mental health risks of abortion, and that women may be at risk of mental health breakdowns if they have abortions.

There is the tragically sad case of a woman in Cornwall who was a talented artist, and hanged herself because she was overcome with grief after aborting her twins. Emma Beck, age 30, left a note saying: "Living is hell for me. I should never have had an abortion. I see now I would have been a good mum. I want to be with my babies; they need me, no one else does."

How many women have to be tortured by such anguish, and exploited by Planned Parenthood, politicians and pro-abortion activists in general, before the world wakes up and realizes the horror of abortion? Abortion hurts and even kills women; the very women whose rights pro-abortion politicians and other activists claim to be defending.

It is a fact to which women have testified, that they deeply regret their abortions, and that regret led them to things like bitterness, marital conflict, permiscuity, substance abuse, thoughts of suicide, and other ills. Even aborting a baby conceived in rape can lead to deep regrets, as the case of Geri Riggs shows, and that of many other women who have experienced the same thing.


There is hope

Many women who have already had one or more abortions are suffering because of their decision and often feel there is no hope for them. But for these women, and men, who have been involved in abortion, there is hope. By God's grace they can find forgiveness and healing. Through prayer and putting one's trust in the Lord, they can find peace and even joy in living again.

For women who have had abortions and are suffering because of it, I want to tell you that there is hope, and that God loves you and wants to heal you.

There are organizations such as Rachel's Vineyard, which provide healing retreats that are offered throughout the year in locations across the United States and Canada, with additional sites internationally. Here, women and men who suffer post-abortion trauma, can find a place of compassion and understanding, and a ministry of God's mercy and reconciliation which can open doors for them which they may otherwise have despaired of ever finding again. One's mental and spiritual health need not continue to get worse. There is help, as a woman named Michelle testifies of an experience in prayer one night at a Rachel's Vineyard retreat:

"I cannot describe what happened that night. For the first time, I actually pictured children in heaven with God, and with my grandmother who passed away, and they were happy. They were drawing me in to God's love and forgiveness. That night, I knew God existed and that I am not a terrible person, and that I have already been forgiven by God and my children. It was overwhelming. Never had anything like this happened before in my life. I cannot begin to describe on paper, the wonderful sense of peace and love I felt that night. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before."

For women who are pregnant and don't know what to do, and are considering having an abortion, I want to tell you that there are alternatives. You don't have to be alone in this, and no one at all ever has the right to force you into an abortion... not even your own parents. If you are thinking of having an abortion for any reason at all, please know that it isn't going to help, however convenient or sensible it may seem right now, and there are many women out there who have had abortions who will tell you the same thing. There are options to abortion.

Organizations such as Priests for Life are active not only in the battle to end abortion, but also do what they can to help people connect with the people and resources which can make the choice for life a practical one, as well as a loving one for the woman and her baby, regardless of financial or social situation. At the end of this article are links for people suffering from post-abortion trauma as well as crisis pregnancy help, and information about pregnancy tests, STD's, adoption, parenting, medical referrals, housing, and many other issues. The toll-free number is available to callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are many obstacles to ending abortion and the struggle will take courage and determination, but the struggle to protect pre-born children is a winnable battle. May God help us.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources

http://www.Priestsforlife.0rgwesthibernian.htm
http://www.fightfoca.com . FightFOCA website: A Project of AUL action
http://www.Aul.org - Americans United for Life
http://www.dakotavoice.com200611/guest/20061101GR.html - Guest column, The experience of rape (and abortion) survivor by Geri Riggs, Sturgis, South Dakota.

http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/emotions/stories.aspx - Stories: Retreat Stories

http://www.rachelsvineyard.org To find international locations for Rachel’s Vineyard retreats, go to Retreats>Find a Retreat>by Location>International.

More information about other Pro-Life organizations for help with post-abortion trauma, healing and crisis pregnancy, can be found in the Pro-Life section of my website at: http://www.solasanchroi.net/Pro-Life.html

No one can do everything, but everyone can do something to end the culture of death and build a culture of life.

One thing that can be done is to Sign the Fight FOCA Petition at http://www.fightfoca.com

To view the Priests for Life website you may see it at http://www.priestsforlife.org

Also, Health and Human Services is accepting comments about whether they should keep or rescind these important regulations protecting pro-life healthcare professionals. Whether you're a patient or healthcare professional, please send your message to HHS through the Freedom2Care.org website and tell them to keep the rules in place and prevent discrimination against pro-life doctors.