Confronting tough issues like abortion and premarital sex is not usually an easy task, but the Selma-Dallas County Save-A-Life Inc. wants to make more people aware of the truth behind these taboo subjects.

Last month the organization decided to take its cause public by participating in a national Silent No More campaign to openly talk about the emotional scars of having an abortion.

On the steps of City Hall, approximately 55 people gathered to hear the testimonies of people who have undergone the controversial procedure.

Dobbs said emotions ran high during the evening as people worshipped together and shared their experiences.

Through the Mercy Ministries program, Dobbs said, an effort is being made to reach out to women and let them know they can come to Save-A-Life for free counseling.

Dobbs said she plans to continue holding Silent No More campaigns each year in Selma.

Another new program that has been making headway at the Save-A-Life Inc. center is a program called S.A.F.E., Sex And Family Education.

This free program teaches abstinence only sex education to children in elementary through high school.

Coordinator Marion Frasier said she in her team are invited to schools to discuss the physical and emotional consequences of having sex outside of marriage.

With fifth- and sixth-graders, Frasier and her team prepare the children for upcoming puberty and introduce them to waiting until marriage.

The middle school sessions are done in three sessions titled &uot;You are Unique,&uot; in which the school children learn about the financial responsibilities, like the costs of raising a children, as well as the emotional aspects of having premarital sex.

Though her group mainly discusses abstinence, Frasier also pointed out that she encourages teens who have had sex to get tested.

Those who would like to have a S.A.F.E. program or feel they need counseling can contact Save-A-Life at 875-8900.