Catholic Bishops' Official Applauds Congressional Hearing On
Abortion's Destructive Impact On Women

WASHINGTON (September 29, 2004) Today the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health conducted a hearing on "Improving Women's Health: Understanding Depression After Pregnancy."

The hearing, chaired by Congressman Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), included testimony from a woman who suffered profoundly after an abortion and a medical doctor who has researched the physical and psychological health complications from induced abortion.

"After 31 years, abortion continues to be an unchecked and unstudied experiment on women," said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq., spokesperson for the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. "We are grateful to Chairman Bilirakis for shedding light on the reality of women's experience with abortion."

Michaelene Fredenburg, a passionate defender of women's rights, testified that her abortion at 18 left her feeling "violated and betrayed," and that she was not prepared for the "emotional fallout" that ensued. She explained to the Subcommittee that her thoughts of suicide finally led her to seek help.

Dr. Elizabeth Shadigian, a professor of obstetrics at the University of Michigan, also testified. Dr. Shadigian has conducted research which shows that induced abortion is associated with an increased risk of suicide, preterm birth, placenta previa, and breast cancer.

"Public policy decisions should be based on facts and the truth," said Ruse. "We cannot continue as a culture to turn a blind eye to the impact of abortion on women. Women deserve better than this."





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Office of Communications
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3000