Abby Johnson to Speak at Vitae Event in Jackson

Abby Johnson

Abby Johnson quit her job. That simple act has become a national news story because Johnson, 29, was the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas who said she experienced a "change of heart" while participating in an abortion procedure. Johnson will speak at the Vitae (Vee-tay) Foundation's Benefit Dinner, Tuesday, June 8th. The event will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 3305 North High Street in Jackson. Dinner and program will start at 6:30 p.m. The benefit raises money to help reach out to women facing unplanned pregnancies and connect them with local resources.

Johnson worked at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Bryan, Texas, for nine years, first as a volunteer and then as the director. Her duties included running the family planning and abortion programs. The clinic performed abortions two days a month. Although she had seen ultrasounds before, including during her own pregnancy, Johnson said she had never seen an ultrasound image during an abortion. She is unclear why, as the director of the clinic, she was asked to be in the procedure room on that day, because it was not a normal part of her duties.

"I had never seen an abortion happen on an ultrasound," she said. "My job during the procedure was to hold the probe on the woman's abdomen. I could see the whole profile of the baby 13 weeks head to foot. I could see the whole side profile. I could see the probe. I could see the baby try to move away from the probe."

Johnson has now joined a group called Coalition for Life, which prays outside the clinic where she worked.

Many women feel scared and confused when facing an unplanned pregnancy. Vitae's goal is to use advertising to connect these women with local Pregnancy Centers where they can find caring support and resources to make an informed decision. Not only do these Pregnancy Centers provide the information and resources to make that decision but they also provide assistance throughout and after their pregnancy such as material support for mother and baby, and parenting classes.

Reservations will be accepted by calling 800-393-5791 with a registration fee of $25 per person. ($12 is tax-deductible.) Seating is limited, so make your reservations soon. Please visit www.vitaecaringfoundation.org for additional information.