Letters to the editor or on-line forums
A free way for one person – or a group – to make an impact  

On-line or in print, the "Letters to the Editor" section
 is a well-attended public forum
It's like a town hall meeting on paper or on-line. Your brief, clear and respectful letter can help share new facts about unwanted abortions and post-abortion risks and heartbreak ... about abortion's injustice and risk to both the unborn and women.

Experts say that one letter represents hundreds of others who share the same view. Lawmakers and leaders pay attention to the information and perspectives aired in these public forums.
 

Watch for timely stories or dates. 
If a site or newspaper publishes anything at all about abortion, discrimination or pregnancy-related violence, this is a great time to comment on the topic. Focus on sharing new information that unwanted abortions are common and post-abortion risks, injuries and injustices are, too. See our PR Calendar, as well, so you can write timely letters for added impact.

Your "vote" counts for hundreds! 
Political leaders read these letters to gauge what people are thinking. They know that one letter represents hundreds who also care, but don't have the time to write. 
 

Organize a letter-writing campaign.
 Write often or – for example – on annual dates, such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day or Christmas (often hard for those hurt by abortion). Or, watch and write as stories and issues arise. (Plan to run a healing ad or distribute healing "business cards," classified or bulletin ads, or bookmarks and postcards, too.)

Sample letters to the editor ... Use this sample letter as a guide and put the letter in your own words. Focus on sharing new facts that expose abortion's injustice and risk to both the unborn and women.

Send a press release or introductory kit to writers, journalists and editors. Ask them to write about coercion, unwanted abortions, forced abortion in America and elsewhere, and related injustices and risks to all mothers, especially those most vulnerable. Tie these in with timely anniversaries and events, too.

Send copies to: "Attention:" ...

Make sure your release goes to the right department. Send it to the attention of: Features Editor, News Editor, Local News, State News, Religion Editor or other appropriate specialized departments. (Check the masthead or web site for listings of names for each department, or call ahead to get the current editor's correct name and title.)

Don't forget low-cost local print, broadcast, internet and special-interest publications; for example:

• women's or men's club or civic-group newsletters

• volunteer group newsletters

• religious publications

• conservative or general-interest news and trade publications

• magazines targeted to special interests or groups; e.g., students, senior citizens, etc.

• popular web sites and blogs

Write to political, civic and religious leaders, too.
You can send your release, plus our sample letter to politicians or letter to pastors. Use our sample letters as a guide and write in your own words. You can also share "What Every American Needs to Know" or "Portraits of Coercion," to help educate leaders. Most on all "sides" of this issue don't realize the coercion is the norm, not the exception, and that unwanted abortions are an injustice in their own right. Pregnancy-related discrimination, abuse and abortion endanger both the unborn and women.

Ask them to speak out about injustices and risks to both and to support authentic rights for women.
 

for post-abortion counseling referrals, call 1-877-HOPE-4-ME or click here.
copyright 2006 Elliot Institute. All rights reserved.