Bernard Nathanson (L), ex-abortion provider and co-founder of NARAL, (known originally as
The National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws), and Joseph
Scheidler, Pro-Life Action League.
Dr. Nathanson's testimony is powerfully described in his
book
The Hand of God, published in 1996 by Regnery Publishing.
Dr. Nathanson was the director of the Center for Reproductive
and Sexual Health in New York City. In his two years in that position, he
oversaw some 60,000 abortions. In addition, he performed some 5000 abortions
with his own hands in private practice, and supervised residents in training who
performed another 10,000 abortions.
In
The Hand of God, Dr. Nathanson writes, "I have
aborted the unborn children of my friends, colleagues, casual acquaintances,
even teachers" (p.61). He also aborted
his own child. He writes,
"Yes, you may ask me...[W]hat did you feel? Did you not feel sad -- not
only because you had extinguished the life of an unborn child, but, more, because
you had destroyed your own child? I swear to you that I had no feelings
aside from the sense of accomplishment, the pride of expertise. On inspecting
the contents of the bag I felt only the satisfaction of knowing that I had done
a thorough job. You pursue me: You ask if perhaps for a fleeting moment or so I
experienced a flicker of regret, a microgram of remorse? No and no. And that,
dear reader, is the mentality of the abortionist: another job well done, another
demonstration of the moral neutrality of advanced technology in the hands of the
amoral" (pp.60-61).
Dr. Nathanson eventually rejected abortion on scientific grounds. In December of
1996, he became a Catholic.
Dr. Nathanson endorses Priests for Life (video)
Remembering Dr. Bernard Nathanson, Who Exposed the Abortion Industry’s Lies February 23, 2021
Fr. Frank Pavone’s Conversations with the Bernard Nathanson, the man who unleashed the abortion monster!
The Gospel of Life 10/02/2018: The Powerful Conversion of Bernard Nathanson
Read Fr. Frank's interview with Dr. Nathanson for the Defending Life program.
Fr. Pavone Mourns Passing of Former Abortion Leader Turned Pro-Life Hero, Dr. Bernard Nathanson (February 21, 2011)
Homily at the funeral of Dr. Bernard Nathanson (February 28, 2011)
Nathanson: The St. Paul of the Pro-Life Movement (Fr. Peter West)