Woman Shares Abortion Story to Convince Others to Vote Against Amendment 3

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — A Lee’s Summit woman is sharing her personal story in hopes of convincing her neighbors to vote “no” on Missouri’s 3rd Amendment.

Jason Gould

Monica Ortega had three abortions in her life.

28 years ago, she felt it was the right decision because abortion was legal where she lived and people around her said that, given her circumstances, it would be the best choice for her.

She says her abortion story is a story of survival.

“Survival in the sense of a woman being raped, a homeless woman surviving, a woman surviving domestic violence,” Ortega said. “I didn’t know the moral responsibility, and so it just led to me making a decision that was convenient for me.”

But in the end, Ortega found herself alone, without support, amid the ensuing anger, shame and guilt.

“I would want to keep my child even if he was raped because the child is innocent,” Ortega said. “But because I was alone, I had no one, and I had no resources, that was the reason for my decision. But today there is hope.”

Today, abortion rights initiatives are on the November ballot in 10 states—Missouri’s Third Amendment is included in that list.

Jason Gould

Ortega believes the amendment doesn’t protect women and is concerned about doctors’ lack of accountability if something goes wrong.

She also believes that the passage of the Third Amendment will lead to a surge in suicide among women due to the guilt and shame associated with abortion.

“There is nothing in this amendment that I can support,” Ortega said.

She supports women helping women, which is why she now runs a ministry called Giving Back the Secret. He helps counsel women who have had abortions to find healing.

Surrender of a secret site

“It becomes a long-term friendship, and that’s what God has in store for us,” Ortega said. “I’m grateful that God turned what was made for darkness, darkness in my life, a dark path, into light.”

Jason Gould

Ortega says she knows firsthand the pain a crisis pregnancy can bring.

As she heads to the polls in Missouri, she wants women to know they always have support, but they have the power to make a choice.

“Many of us here are ready to help you, guide you, pray with you, provide resources and help you financially,” Ortega said. “Choose life.”

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