Abortion affects both women and men, says national pro-life campaign

Sep 19, 2004 / 22:00 pm

A campaign on the devastating emotional, physical and spiritual effects of abortion drew women and men on the steps of the U.S. Customs House in downtown Charleston Sept. 18, reported The Post and Courier.

The National Silent No More Awareness Campaign seeks to make the public aware of the physical, emotional and spiritual devastation abortion can bring to women, men and their families. It was co-founded by Priest for Life and the National Organization of Episcopalians for Life.

"A lot of men don't speak out about abortion and the way it affects their life," Steven Grgach was quoted as saying from the steps Customs House.

The 26-year-old’s girlfriend became pregnant when he was 15 years old, and her parents forced him to pay for an abortion. He said the death of his child through abortion 11 years ago has caused him years of depression and suicide attempts. Grgach said he's still in the process of healing.

Grgach is like many people, both male and female, who suffer with guilt or shame after an abortion, said Teresa Byas, campaign coordinator, who only came to terms with her abortion, which she had in the 1970s, about six years ago.

The goals of the National Silent No More Awareness Campaign are to reach out to those who have had an abortion and to invite women and men to speak the truth about abortion's consequences in order to bring about healing.

For more information on the National Silent No More Awareness Campaign, call 1-800-707-NOEL.