For decades, pro-life leaders have spread the message that abortion hurts women. In this episode, we meet Nancyjo Mann, who became the first woman to speak out about the damage and pain her late-term abortion brought to her life.

When the father of her unborn child left, Nancyjo turned to her family for advice and support. Instead, they urged her to have an abortion. On October 30, 1974, Nancyjo consented to a saline abortion. The abortionist did not explain the process to her and only later did she realize the magnitude of her decision.

Over the next few months, Nancyjo experienced infections and complications from damage caused by the abortion and finally had to undergo a complete hysterectomy. Despite the pain the abortion had caused, Nancyjo found it impossible to share her experience with others–until she met Dr. John Willke.

Dr. Willke and his wife, Barbara, are widely regarded as the parents of the modern pro-life movement. Dr. Willke met Nancyjo during his tenure as president of the US National Right to Life Committee. He encouraged her to share her story in hopes that more post-abortive women would come forward and speak openly about how abortion affected their lives.

Nancyjo’s story not only gave a double argument to the pro-life movement but also has helped millions of post-abortive women speak up and get the help they need.