"Silent No More": Regret Over Abortion the Theme of Rallies Across the Nation

By Karen Cross

Around the nation upwards of 800 women courageously spoke up to say, "I regret my abortion" as part of a nationwide campaign called "Silent No More." The testimonies of these brave women coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision which legalized abortion for any reason, during all nine months of pregnancy. The gatherings were held at state capitols, in major cities, and in Washington, D.C.

"We are the voice that hasn't been heard," said Georgette Forney, co- founder of the "Silent No More" campaign. "There is a lot of talk about life and choice, but very little attention is given to women who have abortions." Forney, executive director of the National Organization of Episcopalians for Life, said she was inspired by God after struggling with the pain and agony of her own abortion. "I regret my abortion, and I know others feel the same way," she said.

"We are here today," she continued, "because we want other women who can relate to our pain to hear about the hope and help we have found. We have been able to grieve. We have learned to forgive ourselves and others involved in our abortions. And we have been able to find peace."

In Washington, D.C., women from across the United States met for a reception at the Ostrosky House in order to meet one another and to pray before the program. They walked to the front steps of the United States Supreme Court Building with a sense of comradery and of quiet anticipation, excited that their voices would finally be heard.

Actress Jennifer O'Neill, best known for her role in the movie, The Summer of '42, was the keynote speaker in Washington, D.C. She shared her deep regret following her abortion in a public rally in freezing temperatures and biting winds. With great dignity and great sadness, O'Neill recounted the nine miscarriages which followed her abortion.

As one by one women stepped forward to tell their stories, behind them other women quietly held signs reading, "I regret my abortion." Similar themes unfolded as each woman shared her regret and pain following her abortion.

Talk of nightmares, low self-esteem, suicidal tendencies, inability to bear children, and even breast cancer ensued. Many recounted damaged relationships with spouses, parents, and even their children. Too many felt alone, ashamed, and unable to forgive themselves.

Chris Jackman shared her testimony in song. As she sang "The Voice," from her CD, The Choice, many women joined in as she sang the chorus:

"We are the voice for this generation, Time has come to heal our nation. Break the silence--turn Rhetoric into reason. We are silent no more."

Olivia Gans, director of American Victims of Abortion, reminded us, "We are mothers and fathers with empty arms. We have not been silent these past years, and we will not be silenced now. Our pain is real. There is much to be learned from our experiences that will protect and benefit women in the future."

Gans added, "It can no longer be assumed that abortion is good for women. America must seek out the truth about legalized abortion's damage to all concerned. We must prepare ourselves to provide better, life-affirming answers to mothers and their children in crisis. We must demand them and we will!"

Candles flickered as women braved the frigid weather to the bitter end. One man tearfully explained afterward that he was so moved by each testimony that, despite the cold, he refused to leave until every woman had spoken.

Women bearing signs saying "Keep Abortion Legal" held a candlelight vigil sponsored by NOW and NARAL next to the "Silent No More" event. The contrast was striking.

Those with the "Silent No More" event were reflective, peaceful, yet passionate, while those with the pro-abortion event were militant, angry, and hard.

"A policy of abortion on demand does not create a compassionate society, nor does it solve the problems of poverty, neglect, or lack of opportunities for women," Gans said. "Rather than creating a climate for solving the very real problems that women face when coping with a difficult pregnancy, legalized abortion becomes routine and too easy an answer for society's problem solvers to thrust onto women."

Gans concluded, "The death of our children should not be the best answer our nation can offer."