Five billboards convey message of hope, support after abortion

Contact: Suzanna Kennedy, Abortion Changes You, 619-952-2283

ST. LOUIS, Mo., March 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- St. Louis commuters will view five billboards stating 'abortion changes you' over the next few weeks. The billboards are part of the same outreach appearing this month in New York City subways. The billboards echo some of the experiences of men and women after an abortion. A woman shares, "I thought my life would be the way it was before", while another says, "We made the decision together but I've never felt so alone". An ad featuring a male shares, "I thought I was helping my girlfriend".

The billboards refer viewers to AbortionChangesYou.com. The Web site is a safe place separate from politics, labels, and debate. The site includes an interactive grief and loss healing model developed with the help of psychologists. Men, women, and family members can begin the healing process by journaling, exploring emotions, posting artwork and more. Visitors can also connect with support groups and counseling in their local area through the 'Find Help' section.

"One in three women will have an abortion in the United States -- and many women and men feel isolated and alone after their experience," says Michaelene Fredenburg, creator of the ads and author of Changed: Making Sense of Your Own or a Loved One's Abortion Experience, "When I had my abortion I kept it a secret for a long time because I was afraid of how people would react. Few people know how to talk about abortion in a safe way."

Individuals can experience a range of emotions after their own abortion or the abortion of someone close to them -- from feelings of relief, to confusion, to profound grief. The grief associated with reproductive losses (such as abortion, miscarriage, and stillbirth) is often minimized, denied, and considered to be outside the normal "grieving rules" of society -- especially when it comes to abortion.

"I believe that women, men, and family need a safe place to experience their own range of emotions apart from controversy and debate. That is why I started the Abortion Changes You outreach," says Fredenburg.

The Abortion Changes You outreach images will remain on billboards on the I-207, Highway 367, I-270, US 40, and I-64 through the first week of April.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Michaelene Fredenburg, please contact Suzanna Kennedy at (619) 952-2283.

www.abortionchangesyou.com