Iowa Governor Terry Branstad declared today “Abortion Recovery Month” and, in so doing, follows governors in Texas and Minnesota who have acknowledged the myriad of ways in which abortion hurts women.
At the ceremony signing the proclamation, Branstad was joined by representatives from pro-life organizations, crisis pregnancy centers, post-abortive healing ministries, and women who have recovered from their abortions. A press conference came afterwards with comments from various individuals, including abortion survivor Melissa Ohden, and Luana Stoltenberg from the post-abortion recovery organization Operation Outcry.
Steven Brody, the director of Dubuque County Right to Life applauded Gov. Branstad’s proclamation.
“The pro-life community applauds Governor Branstad for recognizing the need to bring awareness to this emotional and traumatic subject that has affected so many men and women over the years,” he told LifeNews.com. “Many Iowa organizations offer support and recovery services to those who have had abortions or who have been impacted by abortion. These organizations promote policies that reinforce a culture of life and hope. Abortion recovery programs help individuals heal by providing counseling, support groups, encouragement, and education. This recognition encourages and promotes healing opportunities and raises awareness of the aftermath of abortion experienced by individuals and families.”
Stacy Massey, the president of Abortion Recovery InterNational, was delighted the governor took to the concept her group founded.
“We are honored that Governor Branstad has made this proclamation and truly appreciate his support and encouragement in serving the thousands of women and men hurting from a past abortion,” she told Lifenews. “Governor Branstad joins other Governors in their support of Abortion Recovery/Awareness Month: Governor’s Rick Perry, Bobby Jindal and Tim Pawlenty, as well as Senators A. G. Crowe and David Vitter.”
Jenifer Bowen, the director of Iowa Right to Life told LifeNews, “The pro-life community applauds Governor Branstad for recognizing the need to bring awareness to this emotional and traumatic subject that has affected so many men and women over the years.”
“Many Iowa organizations offer support and recovery services to those who have had abortions or who have been impacted by abortion. These organizations promote policies that reinforce a culture of life and hope. Abortion recovery programs help individuals heal by providing counseling, support groups, encouragement and education. This recognition encourages and promotes healing opportunities and raises awareness of the aftermath of abortion experienced by individuals and families,” she said.
In April 2010, Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota issued a similar proclamation that “encourages and promotes healing opportunities and raises awareness of the aftermath of abortion experienced by individuals and families.”
It also recognizes that “many Minnesota organizations offer support and recovery services to those who have had abortions or who have been impacted by abortion” and that “many organizations in Minnesota promote policies that reinforce a culture of life and hope.”
“Abortion recovery programs help individuals heal by providing counseling, support groups, encouragement,” the proclamation says.
Pawlenty and Texas Gov. Rick Perry both declared April as Abortion Recovery/Awareness Month.
