The Post Abortion Symposium: Sowing the Seeds of Societal Healing, was well attended with 140 participants on Saturday, April 1, 2006 at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY. Sponsored by the Family Life/Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of NY and Lumina/Hope and Healing After Abortion, it included an impressive array of nationally known speakers.
Theresa Karminski Burke, Ph.D, author and founder of Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries and Retreats opened with an excellent presentation and clinical overview of post abortion syndrome. She told the story of how while working towards her own accreditation in the field of anorexia and bulimia, she found a surprisingly large number of woman suffering with these issues to have had abortions in their past. However, pursing that line of questioning was frowned upon by her colleagues and supervisors. She was eventually told not to ask clients if they had had a previous abortion and that she obviously “had issues”. She began her journey towards offering women non-discriminatory psychological care and healing.
Georgette Forney, President of NOEL (National Organization of Episcopalians for Life) and Co-founder of the Silent No More Awareness campaign closed the day. She told the story of her own abortion at 16 years of age, her ongoing personal journey to help and healing, and her work with the Silent No More campaign consisting of women and men who are post abortive. She has addressed congressional committees, numerous state conventions and rallies, college and university organizations. Her testimonial reminded us all of the need for compassion and understanding and the unique journey of every person who is post abortive.
The day’s workshops were first class. Theresa Bonopartis is Director of Lumina and a sought-after speaker on the topic of post abortion healing and compassion. Her presentation focused on How to Reach Out with Compassion to those who are Post Abortive in Our Communities, Families and Churches (what to say and what not to say). Theresa has shared her own story with wide-ranging audiences and via her CD. Her powerful insights can help anyone in their understanding of the nature of post-abortion trauma. Theresa is also a Co-Director of the Hudson Valley Coalition for Life. She has worked with the Sisters of Life for nine years, and the manual of their co-authored healing ministry is “Entering Canaan, A Sacramental Journey to an Inheritance of Mercy”.
Dr. Joel Brind, Ph.D., New York University Professor of Biochemistry, Physiology, and Immunology spoke on the Physical Consequences of Abortion and Breast Cancer Link. Dr. Brind presented a series of medical and clinical studies on the effects of abortion on women’s bodies, and the increasing overwhelming correlation between abortion, especially under the age of 18, and future risk for breast cancer. He highlighted the statistical maneuverings by organizations that distort or disregard clinical findings and their reasons, usually financial, for doing so. Under the title “Scientists Behaving Badly,” Joel methodically challenged several high-profile statistical analyses that have appeared in well-known medical journals and articles, here and abroad. He believes it unfathomably tragic not to inform women - before they make the decision to abort - of the increased risk of breast cancer they will face.
The Impact and Dynamics of Abortion on Men was presented by the Rev. Scott Miller, M.Div, M. Counseling, and post-abortive father. Scott’s personal, emotional journey was laid out for workshop’s attendees. The Rev. Miller’s tireless ministering to men and women who have suffered the loss of a child through abortion is difficult. He told how faith and honesty had helped him reconcile with God and with those people hurt by his past actions.
The Rev. George Stewart's workshop, The Spiritual Implications of Abortion, was directed to clergy with practical applications regarding homilies and confession. He has been involved in clergy training on post abortion and its spiritual implications through the diocese of New York and at Immaculate Conception Seminary in the Rockville Center Diocese. He told his audiences they were on the front lines of caring in their parishes. He asked them to speak directly to the post-abortive, known or unknown, sitting in their parishes. They are there and they will be listening. No preaching, just open your heart and remind them that you do care. He said if priests aren't speaking to this issue they are perceived as uninformed or possibly as someone who wouldn't understand. Opportunities for counseling and healing are missed for the post abortive and thier family members or friends. He asked that they remain open and available.
If you would like more information about any of these speakers or their work, you can contact Lumina at www.postabortionhelp.org or www.FLRL.org or call Sr. Lucy Marie at 212-371-1011, ext. 3195.
