Telling the truth

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Women who want to help other women avoid the emotional, physical and psychological problems they suffered from having an abortion are part of a commendable new campaign.

"Operation Outcry: Silent No More," sponsored by the Texas-based Justice Foundation, brought several women to Washington during the anniversary of the 1973 Roe vs. Wade ruling to talk about their experiences.

Joyce Zounis of Colorado, speaking at the National Press Club, said she had seven abortions in 11 years beginning at age 15. She said she was never told of the problems she would face, including ovarian cysts and difficulties in a subsequent pregnancy.

Plus, the psychological damage sabotaged "relationships and life's joys, hiding me behind the mask of secret sorrows, drugs and other addictive behaviors, together with uncontrollable bouts of sadness, guilt, shame," Zounis said.

Luana Stoltenberg of Davenport, Iowa, said she remembers her three vacuum-type suction abortions each time she vacuums her house. The abortions destroyed her fallopian tubes and ovaries and left her infertile.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring an advertising campaign with a similar message. Perhaps the truth will convince women that abortion is a problem, not a solution.