When Melissa Ohden — an abortion survivor — speaks, she tells a story shaped by a single conviction: “Love does no harm to a neighbour” (Romans 13:10). For her, “Do no harm” is not a slogan but the essence of love itself — love that avoids injury, protects the vulnerable, and upholds the dignity of every human person.
Those who wish to hear Melissa in person can attend the 2026 Rose Dinner in Edmonton, part of the Alberta March for Life on May 14, where she will serve as keynote speaker. The evening brings together individuals and families for reflection, community, and thoughtful dialogue. More details, including tickets and event information, are available here
Melissa’s life began under extraordinary circumstances. At approximately 31 weeks in the womb, she survived an attempted saline infusion abortion. What began in fragility later became a lifelong question: what does it mean to harm—and what does it mean to love without causing injury? As Aquinas explains, love fulfills the law precisely because it refrains from doing harm.
Rather than treating her past as closed, Melissa turned outward. She founded the Abortion Survivors Network to support others whose experiences often go unheard. In that work, she discovered that healing is not only personal but communal. When people realize they are not alone, courage can grow, and pain can begin to find meaning.
Her message reflects a broader vision of human dignity. The belief that every person deserves respect—from conception to natural death—shapes how she speaks about both life and medicine. Care, in its truest sense, must serve the whole person, never reducing human life to something expendable. “Do no harm” becomes not only a medical principle but a moral one, rooted in love.
Melissa’s story also unfolds in public spaces where dialogue matters. At events like the Alberta March for Life, she sees opportunities for people to come together—not simply to express positions, but to connect through shared values like compassion and dignity. Her approach is not confrontational; it is relational.
Growing up, Melissa wrestled deeply with questions of identity and purpose. Over time, those questions became a calling. She chose to give voice to others, affirming that every life—regardless of its beginning—has value. Through her network, she encountered a wide range of experiences: gratitude, pain, confusion, and resilience. Yet a common thread remained—community fosters healing.
Her memoir, You Carried Me: A Daughter’s Memoir, extends that invitation to a broader audience. Rather than arguing, she tells her story to build understanding. She believes stories can bridge divides, helping people find common ground even in disagreement.
When Melissa speaks about healing, she is realistic. It is not linear and looks different for everyone. It may involve grief, counseling, spiritual support, or simply being heard. What matters is recognizing that the past does not define a person’s worth. With support, hope can take root.
In a time of polarized conversations, Melissa emphasizes listening. She understands that beliefs are often shaped by personal experience, and that genuine dialogue begins there. Instead of focusing on conflict, she highlights shared values: care, dignity, and compassion.
At the heart of her message is a simple truth: stories matter. They move discussions beyond abstraction into human experience. Melissa offers her story not as a final answer, but as an invitation — to listen, to reflect, and to build a more compassionate world, one conversation at a time.
Sign up for The WINDOW, the weekly electronic bulletin with news from the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
