 The UnLetter Follow-Up
Featured Letter to the Editor, 3 of 4
Here's a third sample letter to use now or in your next planning meeting. Whether you write one letter or conduct a sustained, group letter-writing campaign over several months, you'll reach many compassionate, interested people. You can change hearts and minds, inspire action, or give hope and options to those already hurt.
In print or online, Letters to the Editor are a well-attended public forum. Use the sample below as an idea-starter. But remember to write in your own words and maintain a respectful, non-presumptive tone that simply educates people about important new evidence they may not have heard. Remind them that abortion endangers the fundamental human rights of both the unborn and women.
3. "Women Are Coerced or Forced into Unwanted Abortions"
Dear Editor,
Most abortions are unwanted or coerced; many forced. Each year, more than a million American women undergo abortions. Published academic research indicates that 64% of abortions involve coercion. Studies show that most women undergoing abortion feel rushed, uncertain and pressured by others. Coercion may involve partners, parents and family, or authorities, health officials, gatekeepers and guides. Pressure often comes from all sides and escalates. Women have been fired, beaten, blackmailed or even killed for resisting. An abortion clinic security guard testified that women are routinely threatened and abused outside abortion clinics by men who want to make sure they keep their scheduled appointment.
Most women don't want abortions. Those who have abortions often do so based on inaccurate or inadequate information, non-support, and intense pressure, which can escalate to violence. (See "Forced Abortion in America," at TheUnChoice.com/resources.htm.)
Women deserve authentic support, positive choices and accurate information about available alternatives. All Americans need to know about the trauma to women and other heartbreak and risks, including a nearly 4 times higher risk of dying.
Take action. It matters!
Find this and similar messages to share in a downloadable MS Word document, plus other tips and resources on our Letters to the Editor page.
Abortion touches everyone in one way or another. Do not limit yourself to traditional online or print news media. You can write anywhere -- from school, church or civic news sites and publications to youth groups, parents, men's, women's, or senior citizen publications -- and you will reach individuals and families who need to hear this or others who can help.
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