Abortion survivor and inspirational speaker Melissa Ohden will speak at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at the 40th anniversary celebration for Birthright of Ames.

According to her website biography, Ohden survived a saline infusion abortion in 1977.

“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. Ohden and her husband Ryan have a daughter, Olivia, whose birth at the same hospital where Ohden’s life was supposed to end has significantly shaped her ministry.”

Now she dedicates her life to advocating for resources for pregnant women and college students with children. She travels to college campuses to speak about the love, healing and forgiveness she learned about while on the journey to find her biological family that decided to end her life.

According to her website, “she now works with individuals and organizations across the United States, Canada and Australia, to raise awareness of the intergenerational impact of abortion on women, men, families and communities.”

This event is organized and sponsored by Birthright of Ames, an organization that provides non-judgmental, caring support through free pregnancy testing, referrals, and free maternity and baby clothes.

“Birthright of Ames is entirely funded by private donation,” said Kathy Ridnour, a member of the Birthright Board of Directors. She has been working to promote this event.

The event is to be at Stonebrook Church in Ames. Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults.