Last Updated: Tuesday - 01/04/2011

Author's testimony saves lives

Denise Mountenay says book about her abortion has led 3 women to choose life

EDMONTON — Forgiven of Murder . . . A True Story, an autobiographical book with practical information on abortion, has moved people's hearts and minds.

Told graphically, the story of Denise Mountenay is not only an eye opener for most of its readers. The story has saved the lives of at least three babies, Mountenay told the WCR.

"Denise helped me talk my friend out of it," confirmed Kerri-Lyn Parker, 18. Parker's friend had a healthy baby boy and was happy she kept him.

What is compelling about Mountenay's book is the personal revelation of a horrible experience coupled with well-researched information.

"I was shocked to learn that abortion is something that is not only allowed in Canada, it is something that is pushed," said Tiffany Beyers, a Grade 11 student of Paul Kane High School, St. Albert.

Beyers, a member of Victory Life Church in St. Albert, believes that this book should be read by all teenagers so they get a true picture of abortion.

"(Abortion) is murder. This is not right and we are letting it happen, because we have become so numbed and say it is just a tissue," Beyers said.

Beyers admitted she would not be able to make these comments had she not read the book and learned the hard facts about abortion in Canada.

"I just remember crying, crying a lot, wanting to become involved in the campaign against abortion," said Beyers, when she first heard Mountenay's story.

Before meeting Mountenay, Beyers was a pro-lifer, but she did not understand what it really meant to be one.

"Now I know more about the facts when I talk about it with my friends in school," Beyers said. "I feel confident that I am saying something verifiable."

"It's hard to stand up against what is popularly held by the majority of people, but once you know what is really going on, it becomes easier," said Beyers.

Mountenay's story has become useful classroom material at Ecole Maurice-Lavall‚e, Edmonton.

Religion coordinator Suzanne Foisy-Moquin of Maurice-Lavall‚e has invited Mountenay to talk about her experience.

"The students were moved by her story," said Moquin, a parishioner of St. Thomas d'Aquin Parish, Edmonton.

"Everyone was all eyes to Denise and was listening intently, and I observed how quiet the boys were," Moquin said.

Doing research about abortion is easy, but giving witness to a personal conversion story is more appealing, Moquin said.

"Denise speaks from her heart, that's what got my students," said Moquin, who discusses abortion with her students in relation to chastity.

An 81-year-old pro-life member Bill Thompson of High River bought several copies of the book and distributed them to churches.

Thompson believes that the people in the church, not only teenagers, should read the book.

Mountenay, a public speaker for Alberta Pro-Life, tries to reach as many people as possible. She has spoken on various occasions all over Canada.

Apart from the talks Mountenay continues to give, she has considered different avenues to further her pro-life crusade:

• A third printing of the book is in the works, which will determine if it is destined to become a national bestseller.
• It is being translated into French.
• It is now available in the major bookstores like Chapters and it can be ordered online through Amazon.com.
• A television network is interested in having the book adapted for a telemovie.

The three mothers, who after reading the book took other options instead of abortion, were not available for comment.

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