FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: September 19, 2007

Staten Island, NY – Leaders of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, the nation’s largest network of women and men testifying to the harm they endured from abortion, today said that a Wisconsin bill to help prevent coerced abortion is needed not only in that state, but across the country.

“In recent months alone, we’ve seen numerous high profile news stories about women threatened and intimidated by their parents, boyfriends, and others into having abortions,” said Georgette Forney, Co-Founder of the SNMAC.  “I know from talking to thousands of women that these are not isolated cases.  I also know that the pain and torment caused by abortion can only be magnified when a woman submits involuntarily to the taking of her child.  I don’t see how anyone could oppose this measure.”

Janet Morana, another SNMAC co-founder, added, “The Wisconsin bill only requires an abortionist to determine if the woman’s consent is voluntary and to provide her with information on available services should the doctor determine that she’s at risk of domestic abuse.  It’s a small step toward protecting women from this kind of violence, but it’s absolutely necessary.”

Wisconsin’s bill to prevent coerced abortion has passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee and is awaiting a vote by the full legislative body.  Seven other states have passed similar measures.