Health issues, mental effects and the social and psychological ramifications of abortion were presented and discussed by international experts and researchers at a conference in Milwaukee.
Researchers from Duke University, Georgetown University Medical School and Bowling Green State University presented medical findings on cross-cultural social responses to abortion and related women’s mental health issues on the opening day of the 13th annual Healing Visions Conference in Milwaukee.
Priscilla Coleman Ph.D. (Bowling Green), Doctor Monique Chireau (OB/GYN; Duke), and Anne Speckhard Ph.D. (Georgetown) headlined the day’s docket, which also included Doctor Patricia Casey of Ireland, and Kathleen Grey, R.N. of Montreal, Canada.
The event continues Thursday and Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Other featured speakers include Greg Lester (Ph.D.; University of Colorado), Catherine Coyle (Ph.D; University of Wisconsin), Althea Hayton of Hertfordshire, England, Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, and Susan Wills of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Organizers described Healing Visions as a think tank conference of academics, medical professionals, mental health experts and caregivers, gathered to share resources and research and network.
During the opening sessions Wednesday, Coleman discussed literature and anecdotes from Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the United States. Chireau presented: “the Medical Implications of Induced Abortion,” and Speckhard spoke on universal responses to abortion across cultures.
Thursday’s sessions will focus on the effects of abortion on men. Featured speakers include Coyle, Hayton and family counselor Greg Hasek (Misty Mountain, Oregon).
Friday’s slate includes keynotes by Archbishop Naumann, Wills and Milwaukee social worker Mary Briggs. The day’s workshops include: abortion’s effects on couples, adolescent healing, attachment and intimacy, substance abuse and forgiveness therapy, and self-care for caregivers.
Saturday’s presenters are Lester and Pator Ken Freeman, of Last Harvest Ministries, in Garland, Texas.
Healing Visions is sponsored by Marquette University, Our Sunday Visitor and the Supreme Council of the Catholic Knights. It was organized by the National Office of Post Abortion Reconciliation and Healing. Interested individuals are invited to attend the event, held at the Mayfair Radisson – 2303 N. Mayfair Road.
LifeNews.com Note: Vicki Thorn is the director of the National Office of Post Abortion Reconciliation and Healing.
