Abortion survivor, author coming to MP

By Bryce Kelly, Mt. Pleasant News

Author, nationally-known speaker and abortion survivor Melissa Ohden is coming to Mt. Pleasant to share her story, and says it is one of hope and inspiration.

Headlining this year?s Cradle of Hope annual banquet, Ohden will be speaking April 8, ringing in Cradle?s 10th year.

?We wanted to really bring some awareness to the issue of abortion, and that human life does begin at conception,? said Doni Townsend, Cradle of Hope director, in regards to the Cradle?s decision to invite Ohden to headline their upcoming event. ?We want women to know that there are so many other choices out there for them and their baby besides abortion, and Melissa?s story brings to light that there is hope and a future for all babies, no matter what the circumstance.?

Ohden was born as a result of a failed saline abortion in 1977, at Saint Luke?s Hospital in Sioux City, and was adopted by a family shortly after her early birth. Today, Ohden is a wife and mother, and has a Master degree in social work. She has advocated for pro-life issues as a public speaker for organizations such as Feminists for Life, and has testified before Congress on behalf of pro-life issues.

Additionally, she has been featured on such programs as The 700 Club, Fox News and American Family Radio. Her book, ?You Carried Me: A Daughter?s Memoir? was released in January, and recounts the story of her search for her birth mother and their eventual re-uniting.

?My story is one of hope, and I really want people to know that. I also want people to understand that it?s everyone?s job to stand up and speak out for the rights of babies to live?no matter who you are,? said Ohden.

According to Ohden, she is looking forward to not only sharing her story to locals on April 8, but also to learn more about the ?vital and important? services that an organization like Cradle provides to women and families.

?We live in a society that talks about abortion more as a political issue than anything else, which is so not what abortion is. It?s dealing with someone?s life and their right to live it,? said Ohden. ?I suspect that Cradle is probably one of the best kept secrets in the local community, and so if I can bring more awareness to it, that?s what I hope to do.?

Money raised from the banquet will go towards continuing the free of charge programs and services the Cradle provides in the Mt. Pleasant, Fairfield, Ft. Madison, Washington and Burlington areas.

?This banquet is our way of celebrating the things Cradle is doing as a community, but also a way to look ahead for what more we can do to serve women, babies and families in southeast Iowa,? said Townsend. ?We look forward to serving the area however we can in 2017.?

To reserve a seat to the April 8 event, call the Cradle at

319-986-5336, or visit their Facebook page. Admission to the banquet and the dinner prior to Ohden?s presentation is free. Those attending are encouraged to make a financial contribution to Cradle.

RSVP is requested by Thursday, March 30.