About our work
25 years of pro-woman/pro-life leadership In 1987,
Dr. David Reardon published
Aborted
Women, Silent No More, the classic, groundbreaking book that redefined
the abortion debate. In 1988, he founded the Elliot Institute in order to conduct original research on the effects of abortion on women, men, families and society. His first study was funded by a few donations from friends and family, and in the early years he did everything himself on a volunteer basis, squeezed in between his "regular" job and raising a family.  Eventually Dr. Reardon was able to devote himself full time to Elliot Institute work, and hired his first full-time staff member in 1997 (that same year, we also acquired office space.)
From those very small beginnings, we have expanded to three permanent staff members and have had research assistants, interns and volunteers as part of our staff at various times. Dr. Reardon now works with other researchers from various parts of the United States and Canada to prepare, write and publish original research. With a lot of hard work and the help of our friends, we are now one of the leading organizations researching the impact of abortion. In addition, we serve as a major resource for organizations around the world who are concerned about protecting the rights of women and their unborn children. Our work includes educating others about the surprising, but seldom-reported truth that most abortions are unwanted or coerced -- an injustice at best, but not authentic choice in the conventional understanding of this word. Further, as reported in Forced Abortion in America and around the world, and as reflected in the fact that homicide is the #1 killer of pregnant women - abortion puts both babies and mothers from all walks of life at risk of unwanted abortions and other injustices and risks, including significant, even deadly post-abortion issues. Whether via pregnancy-related discrimination, abuse, homicide, forced abortion, botched abortion or heartbreaking aftereffects, mothers are dying, too. This evidence points to the urgent need for education about unwanted abortions plus other risks that endanger the rights and lives of both the unborn and women. Our user-friendly resources plus academic research, education and outreach will help raise awareness of these issues and of the urgent need for meaningful support and healing. Click here for a look back at the past 25 years through 25 of the most important projects we have undertaken. Healing hearts, saving lives |
We are making a difference!
Here is what some of our supporters are saying: “Thank you so much for doing this advertising campaign. I truly wish this had been around when I had my abortions many years ago. I am just sitting here crying, thinking, 'If only ...' It may be too late for me but I know with all my heart you will reach many, many women. This is so necessary and life saving. Thank you again.”
Jane, Colorado “I just want to say I am so thankful for your web site. I have a friend who was considering abortion so I sent her to your web site. She called me around two in the morning, crying. Anyway, it changed her mind. I’ll be praying for your ministry. Thanks so much!” Jenny, Idaho "Thank you for your 20 years of service to our nation by documenting and exposing how legal abortion has been devastating to women, and has significantly increased domestic violence to the point that homicide has tragically become the leading cause of death for pregnant women. ... Your invaluable work serves to educate the public about the need to assist desperate women with the financial and moral support they so often lack and need ..."
Elizabeth, New York "I am currently studying to receive my Master’s in Social Work and I have used the studies conducted and promoted by the Elliot Institute countless times in the past year. As a pro-life, pro-woman, faithful Catholic, I seem to be in the minority in the field of social work and have found it difficult to find and use studies that illustrate the truth about abortion. I have geared all of my papers in my classes toward the detrimental effects of abortion, as well as related issues. The Elliot Institute has been an immense help to me as a source of information and reliable studies. I encourage you to keep up the wonderful work!"
Katherine, Texas "Thank you for enlightening me so widely about the abortion crisis in our world." Peter, Australia "I had worked through intensive healing during the first two years after my abortion. Now, seven years later, I am happily married to a wonderful man and we have a beautiful daughter. But abortion is something that always stays with you. Although I don't feel it as intensely or as often, there are times when pain comes flooding back to me. At these times, I go on your web site and/or read [your email newsletter] and it helps me so much. It reminds me that I am not alone and that I am ok. Thank you so much. You are angels sent from heaven." Anonymous "Your ad is very persuasive. Just the right tone, too. I've emailed your ad to pro-life state leaders and suggested that they email/air/publish it before the election. I've also emailed it to my family, pro-life email list and the Post Abortion Forum members. You are such a great resource for us in the trenches!"
Sharon, Minnesota My family and I feel a stronger need to be pro-active for advocating LIFE now more than ever. My daughter [is doing] a short film on the detrimental effects that abortion has on mothers. Your e-mail and new campaign is exactly the approach she is going for. Thank you for sending your updates and e-mails, they are a great resource for her project and inspiring! Kirk, UK
If you wish to send comments or questions, email us at elliotinstitute@gmail.com. This mission has led us to undertake many efforts over the past
25 years. Click here for a look back at the past 20 years through 20 of the most important projects we have undertaken.
Support the Elliot Institute Your gift can transform one—or one thousand—lives. By supporting our many research and educational projects, including our publications and our advertising, education and outreach campaign, you can change perceptions about "choice" ... raise awareness of widespread coercion and pregnancy- and abortion-related injustices and the risk to everyone involved ... and open the door to healing. The Elliot Institute relies on your generosity.
All of our work is funded solely by the support of people like you. We have a very small mailing list and a very small budget, so your donation makes a very big difference! To make a donation to the Elliot Institute: 1. Click here to make a donation via Paypal, or 2. Call 1-888-412-2676 to donate by credit card, or 3. Mail your gift to: Elliot Institute, P.O. Box 7348, Springfield, IL 62791 Join our Sustaining Partner Program.
Our Sustaining Partners are the "backbone" of our ministry and support our work through donations made on a regular basis. Sustaining Partners pledge to make regular gifts for a year but choose the amount and how often they want to give. For information on becoming a Sustaining Partner and supporting our work through regular donations, please contact the Elliot Institute at 1-888-412-2676 or elliotinstitute@gmail.com. tell others about us If you think the work we do is important, and deserving of support, please let others know about us. Put a link to our site on your web site our blog, and/or encourage others to sign up for our free e-mail list for up-to-date information on research, resources and ways they can help raise awareness and advocate for women, men and families in their communities. More ways to help Click here for a list of other ways you can help. Questions or comments? Call (217) 525-8202 or email us at elliotinstitute@gmail.com | 
