NEW YORK – Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, and Janet Morana, Executive Director, issued the following statement today upon the death of Norma McCorvey, the Jane Roe in 1973’s Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

“Norma has been a friend of mine, and of Priests for Life, for more than 20 years,” Father Pavone said. “She was victimized and exploited by abortion ideologues when she was a young woman but she came to be genuinely sorry that a decision named for her has led to the deaths of more than 58 million children. Norma’s conversion to Christianity, then to Catholicism, was sincere and I was honored to be part of that journey. I’m sorry she won’t be here to celebrate with me when we finally abolish legal abortion in this country, but I know she will be watching.”

Norma called Father Pavone "the catalyst that brought me into the Catholic Church." He confirmed Norma in 1998. They maintained their friendship throughout the years, with Norma traveling to Staten Island in 2013 to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Father Pavone’s ordination.

Mrs. Morana said: “Norma McCorvey was a woman who allowed herself to be manipulated when she was at a low point, but she rose above that. She never had an abortion but she sought, and found, healing at Rachel’s Vineyard for the part she played in the tragic and unjust Roe v. Wade decision, and she worked hard on behalf of the unborn as long as she was able. I am proud to have called Norma my friend, and I will miss her.”

Mrs. Morana hosted Ms. McCorvey in her New York home and stayed with Ms. McCorvey in her Dallas home. The two women remained close even as Ms. McCorvey’s health has declined in recent years.

Just prior to the March for Life this January, Norma told me to greet all the pro-life activists in her name and tell them to keep strong in the battle for life, which we are winning.

To arrange an interview with Father Pavone or Mrs. Morana, contact Leslie Palma, director of communications for Priests for Life, at 347-286-7277 or media@priestsforlife.org

Photos, Audio and Articles about Norma