DALLAS, Texas, April 2, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Texas Governor Rick Perry has proclaimed April as Abortion Recovery Awareness Month.
In a statement released in late March, the governor stated, “Ending a pregnancy through abortion interrupts the natural birth process and creates significant trauma and stress for those involved in the pregnancy. An abortion is a tragic ending, not only because of the loss of a life, but also because of the physical and psychological trauma caused by the procedure itself. This often leads to lasting emotional and mental health problems for the mother, father and other involved family members. Peer-reviewed research has shown that women who obtain abortions are often plagued by feelings of anger, fear, sadness, anxiety, grief and guilt due to the procedure.”
The statement continued, “Many organizations throughout the state are assisting the process of healing and recovery after abortion by promoting policies that reinforce a culture of life and hope. Abortion recovery programs offer invaluable services that help abortion’s living victims to forgive and heal through individual counseling, support groups, encouragement and education.”
“The month of April has been designated as a time to highlight and reflect on the traumatic effects of abortion. At this time, I urge all Texans to learn about the lasting ramifications of abortion and the support and counseling options available after an abortion. Together, we can make a difference.”
Organizations that assist in the process of healing after abortion include the Texas Abortion Recovery Alliance, Abortion Recovery InterNational, the National Helpline for Abortion Recovery, Operation Outcry and The Justice Foundation.
In 2005, Abortion Recovery InterNational (ARIN) established April as Abortion Recovery Awareness Month. The two key purposes of the month are to: encourage and promote healing opportunities; enlighten society to the aftermath of abortion on individuals and families.
The U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged in April 2007 that abortion causes “severe depression,” “loss of esteem” in some women, Carhart v. Gonzalez. The Court referred to testimony of women hurt by abortion given to them in an Amicus Brief filed by The Justice Foundation representing Sandra Cano, the former “Doe” of Doe v. Bolton and 180 women.