Kansas City, MO

MELISSA OHDEN

Saline Abortion Survivor, Pro-Life and Adoption Speaker

Melissa is the survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion in 1977. Despite the initial concerns regarding Melissa’s future after surviving the attempt to end her life and being born alive at approximately seven months gestation, she has not only survived but thrived. With a Master’s Degree in Social Work, she has worked in the fields of substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence/sexual assault counseling, and child welfare.

Melissa was formerly a College Outreach Speaker with Feminists for Life and former Patron of Real Choices Australia. She is the Founder and Director of For Olivia’s Sake, an organization which seeks to raise awareness of the intergenerational impact of abortion on men, women, children, families, and communities. The birth of Olivia, her first child, in 2008,who never would have existed if Melissa’s birthmother’s abortion would have succeeded in ending her life, prompted Melissa to create this organization that would positively raise awareness of the ripple effect of abortion across generations.

In 2012, Melissa founded The Abortion Survivors Network, www.theabortionsurvivors.com, after recognizing the number of abortion survivors and how most felt alone in this role, and after recognizing the need for the public to be educated about the reality of failed abortions and abortion survivors. Since ASN’s inception, Melissa has been in contact with over 130 survivors and she is working on a healing ministry curriculum and a retreat for survivors.

Melissa has been featured on television and radio programs including: The 700 Club, EWTN’s Life on the Rock and Defending Life, Fox News, Facing Life Head On, Focus on the Family, and American Family Radio, the Mike Huckabee show, and the Teresa Tomeo show. Her life and ministry is featured in the award winning pro-life documentary, A Voice for Life.

After years of searching for her biological family and offering them forgiveness for the decision that was made to end her life, Melissa’s story, and her life, is so much more than one of survival. Melissa’s life story is about the beauty of God’s grace in our lives, about the power of love, about the hope for joy and healing in the midst of grief and loss, and about the transformational power of forgiveness and in answering God’s call for your life.

Fulfilling the purpose that she believes God set out for her when He saved her from the certain death of the abortion attempt, Melissa is truly a voice for the voiceless.

What Others are Saying about Melissa...

"Melissa (Ohden)’s presentation was the best we have ever seen (and we have even heard her before!) Her story really made an impact on the audience and made our event a huge success. We couldn’t ask for a better speaker! She is such a pleasure to have at events and we look forward to having her speak again soon."
-Amanda Gilioli, Wisconsin Right to Life

"Melissa was excellent! Her passion and boldness touched hearts to not only give, but to step out on faith to begin new programs."
-Amy Christus, Women’s Help Center

"PLLN was extremely pleased with Melissa and her presentation. Her presentation was outstanding and highly recommend her. We were pleased with the ease of scheduling her, also, with Ambassador. Thank you again!"
Pro-Life League of Nevada

"I have worked with other aborted-born alive speakers. Melissa is exceptional, well integrated and winsome!"
-Her Choice Birmingham Women's Center, AL

“Melissa (Ohden) was AMAZING! Everyone has commented on how wonderful she was and what a great job she did and how much they enjoyed the event. Thank you Melissa!”
-Hope Connections Pregnancy Resource Center, TX

“Melissa (Ohden)’s story was riveting! This story MUST be told! She should be booked more often and I am recommending her to everyone!”
-Central Texas LifeCare, TX

“Melissa really connects with the listener; she is straightforward and honest. Her message touched many!”
-Care Net Family Resource Center
Judy Van Swol, Executive Director

"I want you to know that you saved a life. You were a voice for my little girl when she didn't have one. You are my role model. I cannot thank you enough. YOUR story is the reason my baby is alive."-Student who heard Melissa speak last year at her high school

"Melissa is one of my favorite pro-life speakers. She left the teens spellbound."
-Joleigh Little, Region Coordinator, Director Wisconsin Teens for Life

"Melissa Ohden was incredible. We had such a good experience with her. She is so approachable and down-to-earth. She was also very flexible. Her story was incredible and the lucky staff members who got to spend time with her before the event felt very blessed to get to know such a beautiful person. She taught us so much and the kids really responded to her."
-Fr. Steve Ryan, Salesian Youth Ministry

Link to This Speaker Page