Contact: Tracy Reynolds, Media Liaison, The Justice Foundation, www.operationoutcry.org, 210-614-7157, 650-400-0436 cell, info@txjf.org

DALLAS, April 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Texas Governor Rick Perry has proclaimed April as Abortion Recovery Awareness Month stating:

"Ending a pregnancy through abortion interrupts the natural birth process and creates significant trauma and stress for those involved in the pregnancy.  An abortion is a tragic ending, not only because of the loss of a life, but also because of the physical and psychological trauma caused by the procedure itself.  This often leads to lasting emotional and mental health problems for the mother, father and other involved family members.  Peer-reviewed research has shown that women who obtain abortions are often plagued by feelings of anger, fear, sadness, anxiety, grief and guilt due to the procedure."

"Many organizations throughout the state are assisting the process of healing and recovery after abortion by promoting policies that reinforce a culture of life and hope.  Abortion recovery programs offer invaluable services that help abortion's living victims to forgive and heal through individual counseling, support groups, encouragement and education."  

"The month of April has been designated as a time to highlight and reflect on the traumatic effects of abortion.  At this time, I urge all Texans to learn about the lasting ramifications of abortion and the support and counseling options available after an abortion.  Together, we can make a difference."

"Therefore, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim April 2009, ABORTION RECOVERY AWARENESS MONTH in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.  In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this the 23rd day of March, 2009."   Rick Perry, Governor of Texas

Such organizations include the Texas Abortion Recovery Alliance, Abortion Recovery InterNational, the National Helpline for Abortion Recovery, Operation Outcry and The Justice Foundation.  In 2005, Abortion Recovery InterNational (ARIN) established April as Abortion Recovery Awareness Month.  The two key purposes of the month are to:  encourage and promote healing opportunities; enlighten society to the aftermath of abortion on individuals and families.

The U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged in April 2007 that abortion causes "severe depression," "loss of esteem" in some women, Carhart v. Gonzalez.  The Court referred to testimony of women hurt by abortion given to them in an Amicus Brief filed by The Justice Foundation representing Sandra Cano, the former "Doe" of Doe v. Bolton and 180 women.  Leaders of the above mentioned organizations are available for interviews.