February 17, 2005—Today, at a special briefing hosted by U.S. Representative Trent Franks, ten women; representing eight states, 21 abortions and 22 lost children; explained how the trauma of abortion negatively impacted their lives.  Representatives Steve King (R-IA) and Mike Pence (R-IN) were also in attendance.

“No one has a more compelling perspective or credible commentary than the mothers who have actually experienced the pain of abortion,” said Rep. Franks. “Their stories will one day bring down Roe v. Wade and bring healing to America.”

The women shared numerous ways abortion harmed their lives: feelings of guilt, depression, attempted suicide, infertility, and perhaps the most devastating - tremendous loss and grief for the life of the child they never knew.  The women’s testimony was included in the petition filed by Norma McCorvey, formerly known as “Jane Roe,” requesting the Supreme Court of the United States to grant a Writ of Certiorari to reopen Roe v. Wade and reverse it on its merits.

“The right to live is the most critical of all civil and human rights.  Unfortunately, church leaders often avoid this issue by calling it a ‘political issue’, and politicians avoid it by calling it a ‘religious issue’. So mothers and their children continue to suffer without support from either,” said Rep. Franks. “Abortion does not liberate a woman; it kills her child and liberates an irresponsible man.  I can think of nothing that could leave a mother more emotionally scarred, or impoverished, with such a grave and devastating sense of loss.”