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Reaching Abortion's Second VictimsWhere to Turn 1/22/1999 Washington, D.C.Carmen Pate, president of Concerned Women for America (CWA), released the following statement on the 26th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The issue of abortion is paramount today. In our zeal to preserve the lives of unborn children, we must not neglect reaching out to those women who have already made the choice. Many women do not connect the hurt in their lives directly to their abortion. Some try to block the abortion out of their minds. That's what I did. I still remember the depression and the nightmares. But post-abortion counseling helped to address the pain in my life. Through a Bible-based study for post-abortive women, I was able to bring closure to my children's deaths. God does heal and He does restore. Approximately 25 percent of pregnancies end in abortion. Every year there are 50 million abortions worldwide. At current rates, 43 percent of women will have an abortion by age 45. Over 4,000 crisis pregnancy centers across the country offer post-abortive counseling for these women. Continued Pate, In my work, I encounter so many post-abortive women who believe they will be condemned for an 'unforgivable sin.' As a result, the vast majority of women do not seek help. I remind them that God uses all things for good -if we allow Him. Many women have bought the lie that abortion is a quick fix for a life crisis. Because of their own choice to abort, they have become passionate in defending abortion, said Pate. At Concerned Women for America, our desire is to reach out to women who are despairing from their choice. It's much more than a political issue -it's a heart issue. |