A viral ‘Shout Your Abortion’ article last month about a 23-year-old woman who has had three abortions used a stolen photo of a pro-life woman from Canada.
The woman has now responded to her image being used for the story — which heavily implied that it was a photo of the author.
The article was titled “I am 23 and I have had 3 abortions. YES I HAVE!” The author was listed only as “Heather.”
“All in all I just wish that people would look at abortion was just another surgery. No way could I be a mother of 3 children right now! JUST NOT POSSIBLE! I am 23, I have a good life, I don’t want to destroy it because of a bunch of children that I am not ready for. Doesn’t that make sense? I have ZERO regrets on what I have, sometimes I do wonder about the WHAT IF, but in the end I know I make the best decision for me,” the post read.
It appears that the website has now removed the article, which detailed the woman’s three abortions, including one because it would interfere with her summer job.
The woman in the photo, Molly Schaap, was not pleased to see her image going viral in the post and reached out to the Canadian pro-life organization Choice42.
“My name is Molly. I am 24 and want to make it clear that I have never had an abortion. I was horrified to wake up yesterday and learn that a photo of me was stolen and used without my permission or knowledge on a post for ‘Shout Your Abortion,’ a website that encourages women to share the stories of their abortions,” Schaap said.
Though she was upset about the use of her image, Schaap also had kind words for “Heather” — if she does exist.
“Yes, the story, if it is true, is quite sad, but there is no excuse for making some of the crude and judgmental comments I have seen. While I strongly believe that abortion is taking a valued life, I would like to ask people to think about the effect that their words have and to choose their words carefully,” the woman said in a statement to the Human Defense Initiative. “If Heather really exists, I want her to know that she has value and is loved despite the unfortunate life choices she has made. The Bible clearly teaches that God is a forgiving God. As a Christian, I strive to embody the love of Christ. Passing judgment helps no one.”
“I hope that my story challenges you to think twice before making a comment on the Internet and instead think of other ways to promote choosing life.”
Schaap told the Gateway Pundit that she has not yet decided if she is going to take legal action against the organization.
“I am a teacher currently trying to get ready for the school year, so that is something I would like to think more about over the next couple days,” Schaap told TGP.
