Staten Island, NY – Jennifer O’Neill, actress, author, and spokesperson for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, has been selected by Christian Women in Media to receive its 2012 Excellence in Communications Award.

Ms. O’Neill, the star of over 30 movies, has for years spoken on behalf of the women and men of the SNMAC, giving her testimony about the abortion she had while in her early twenties and the aftermath of pain and depression she suffered.  With this award, she joins leaders such as Joni Eareckson Tada, Anne Graham Lotz, Janet Parshall, and Vonette Bright in being acknowledged by Christian Women in Media for excellence in national media.

“Jennifer O’Neill has always been recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful and talented women,” stated SNMAC co-founder Janet Morana.  “This award honors not just her abilities as a communicator, but also her compassion borne of faith.  Jennifer is Silent No More because her love for God and her neighbor compel her to speak to and for the victims of the abortion industry.”

“I know this award is important not only to Jennifer, but also to the thousands of Silent No More women and men who have joined her in sharing their abortion testimonies,” added Georgette Forney, another SNMAC co-founder.  “Her story is powerful because it dramatically expresses what so many across America have experienced – that the reason for having an abortion fades with time, the pain of an abortion does not.”

Fr. Frank Pavone, Pastoral Director of SNMAC and National Director of Priests for Life, in commenting on the award said, “Jennifer O’Neill’s message resonates not because she’s a celebrity, but because she honestly shares the raw human pain of abortion and the amazing healing of Christ.  She could easily spend her days enjoying the fruits of material success, but instead casts aside comfort in service to others.  Christian Women in Media has made an outstanding selection."

Since the launching of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign in 2003, 5,487 women and men have shared their testimonies publicly at over 1,029 gatherings in 48 states and ten countries where more than 110,830 attendees have heard the truth about abortion’s negative aftereffects.  More than 10,100 people representing 67 countries are registered to be Silent No More.  Raising awareness about the hurtful aftermath of abortion and the help that is available to cope with the pain are two of the Campaign’s goals.  The Campaign has over 1,430 testimonies posted here, with over 147 that are shared via video!  An additional 2,314 women and 298 men who have not joined the Campaign have registered their regret.

The Silent No More Awareness Campaign is a joint project of Anglicans for Life and Priests for Life.  For more information, please visit our website; www.SilentNoMoreAwareness.org