Priest-counselor finds abortion's effects are widespread in U.S.

Published: 2004-01-20

MACOMB, Ill. (CNS) -- When Father Kenneth Hummel speaks at Mass or elsewhere about abortion and life issues, he reminds himself that some of the people listening are likely to take what he says personally. "I keep always in the back of my mind a certain empathy and openness about this because it (abortion) is so widespread," said Father Hummel, chaplain of the St. Francis of Assisi Newman Center at Western Illinois University in Macomb and a Project Rachel counselor. "Any woman I talk to could have had an abortion, no matter who they are," he added. With abortions taking place at the rate of more than 1 million per year since 1973, some researchers estimate that up to 43 percent of U.S. women, including Catholics, have at least one abortion during their childbearing years. When the husbands, boyfriends, parents, other children, relatives and friends of these women are considered, that leaves few individuals who have not been touched by abortion in some way. Father Hummel is among the clergy and counselors in the Diocese of Peoria who participate in Project Rachel, a nationwide outreach to people suffering because of a past abortion.

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