Even in difficult times there are alternatives to abortion

Even in difficult times there are alternatives to abortion

EDITOR:

I found the Associated Press article carried in the March 25 Vindicator, “Meltdown impact hits abortion, birth control,” sad and disheartening. No one doubts that these are tough economic times and that families are forced to make difficult and sometimes agonizing choices regarding their finances. However, the grave decision whether or not to terminate a pregnancy should never be considered a viable option for a family facing economic hardships.

There is help and there is hope through Catholic Charities Regional Agency.

Our agency offers the First Step Pregnancy and Family Support program, which provides material assistance, case management, and information and referral services for pregnant women and families with children ages 0-3. Those who participate in our First Step program affirm life by their courageous decision to be loving, nurturing parents in spite of the economic and social forces that sometimes act against them.

Catholic Charities Regional Agency also offers adoption services for those unable to meet the financial or emotional demands of raising a child. Our agency employs licensed, professional staff to explain the adoption process and to provide compassionate support to those who wish to make an adoption plan for their unborn babies. Like those who choose to become parents, those who choose adoption are making a self-less, life-affirming decision.

The important truth to remember is that there are options. No one should be forced to believe that abortion is the only solution to an unplanned pregnancy or to tough economic times. Catholic Charities’ counselors and social workers know from direct experience with clients that the impact of an abortion is not only devastating, but long-lasting. It is never a “quick and easy” solution. Abortion is a decision that women, couples, and/or families will struggle with and suffer through for the rest of their lives.

We encourage anyone considering abortion, or anyone interested in learning more about our First Step or adoption programs, to please call us at 330-744-3320.

NANCY VOITUS, executive director

Catholic Charities Regional Agency

Youngstown

Demjanjuk and Damra cases show lack of justice for all

EDITOR:

The cases of two prominent northeast Ohioans, John Demjanjuk and Fawaz Damra, show some sinister similarities. Both Demjanjuk, a former auto worker, and Damra, the former imam of Ohio’s largest mosque, were stripped of their naturalized citizenship due to minor technicalities and major attacks. Both lived exemplary lives in the Cleveland area, raised strong families, worked hard and long, worshipped regularly, practiced their faith devoutly and committed no crime whatsoever.

Nevertheless, both fell victim to a vicious witch hunt which showed no respect for the truth or justice. Demjanjuk was demonized as Ivan the Terrible and Damra as a Muslim terrorist.

The demonization process even encompassed their supporters. Dr. Azzam Ahmed, the former Cleveland gynecologist who brought Imam Damra to our area, languishes in a state prison, and James Traficant, the former Youngstown congressman who saved Demjanjuk from the gallows in Israel, still sits in a federal prison. Yet those who knowingly sent an innocent man to die in an Israeli prison are free to continue their nefarious practices.

This makes a mockery of the last three words of our Pledge of Allegiance.

WERNER LANGE

Newton Falls