2011 RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE

Making Decisions on Abortion, Adoption, and Parenting
October 1, 2011

Making Decisions—Abortion? Adoption? Parenting?” was the theme of our 6th annual Respect Life Conference on October 1. Local, state and national speakers spoke eloquently to the 135 gathered of their experiences with abortion, prayer, advocacy, parenting assistance and adoption.

David Bereit, the national director for 40 Days for Life, explained the group’s mission to end abortion through organizing peaceful prayer campaigns. The group began humbly in 2004 in College Station, Texas, praying before their local abortion facility. Since then it has spread across the nation and overseas as well, with over 300 cities participating in the most recent campaign. To date at least 400,000 people have gathered to pray and fast; 4,313 documented babies have been spared from death; 53 abortion workers have quit their jobs; and 16 abortion facilities have shut down. David firmly believes that abortion will end in this country through prayer, fasting and other God-centered efforts, and he encouraged those at the conference to each do his or her part. To learn more, the website is www.40daysforlife.com.

Jane Brennan, author of Motherhood Interrupted: Stories of Healing and Hope after Abortion, talked of the devastating experiences of her own two abortions. She spoke of the "great lie" with which the abortion industry deceives women-—that they have a right to decide which of their children will live and which will die. Her story ultimately had a happy ending, when a powerful reconversion experience at Mass became the catalyst for her return to living her Catholic faith. Jane is now a certified counselor in Denver who helps women and men heal from the trauma of abortion.

State Representative Bob Brechtel of Casper spoke of his pro-life efforts for the unborn in the legislative arena. He exhorted the members of the audience to be the salt of the earth, to vote for "Jesus Christ", not for a particular political party. He reminded all attending that everyone has a responsibility to ask for policy change, and that constituents should chastise or praise their legislators as needed.

Tom and Janet Spiering amazed and amused the audience with their tales of parenting 5 biological and 9 adopted children. Despite the challenges, they say that they have been the ones blessed and have "gained love by spending it." Deb Simpson then shared of the journey that she and her husband, Bill, have undergone with the adoption of their son when he was an infant. Two benefits were the strengthening of their family life, and also that of their spiritual lives.

Also presenting was Sandi Fisher, executive director of Serenity Pregnancy Resource Center, which recently opened in Cody to assist women and families in difficult pregnancy situations. She outlined the services offered, including ultrasounds, counseling, and material help.