WASHINGTON (March 3, 2004) -— Today the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space, chaired by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), heard testimony from previously "pro-choice" women whose own abortions changed their opinions. Evidence of the negative physical and psychological health consequences of abortion was also presented.

"After 31 years, abortion continues to be an unchecked and unstudied experiment on women," said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq., spokesperson for the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. "We are grateful to Senator Brownback for shedding light on the reality of women's experience with abortion."

Michaelene Jenkins, a passionate defender of women's rights, testified that her abortion at 18 left her feeling "violated and betrayed." It "wasn't the end of my nightmare, but only the beginning. I was completely unprepared for the emotional fallout after the abortion."

Georgette Forney had an abortion at age 16, and waited 19 years before she sought help. After her own recovery she began to help others online, and received emails from thousands of women who "shared their abortion pain and how their lives were a mess." Forney added, "[t]hey always expressed relief to know help was available and they weren't alone in their pain."

"Many in our culture blindly assume that abortion is good for women," said Ruse. "This is a grave injustice to women who are so often driven to abortion from a lack of resources and support, and who then suffer in silence."

"Women deserve better than abortion," Ruse said.

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