Welcome to alt.support.abortion.moderated. The original alt.support.abortion newsgroup was and is an unmoderated forum which has degenerated into a junk bin of cross-postings that contained all sorts of abuse, taunting, and harassment. It is hoped this new moderated version will allow posters to contribute to the discussion within a more meaningful and non-threatening cyber-environment. Our moderators will try their best to keep the discussion focussed and relatively free from such unwelcome and unwarranted abuse.

Alt.support.abortion.moderated is intended as a support forum for Pro-Choice Advocates who would like to share their advocacy experiences, voice their concerns, and/or to provide public information. It is also a forum where members of the general public may find support, information, or if they wish, to relay their own concerns and experiences. Health-care professionals and clinic workers are also encouraged to contribute to provide factual information about health concerns as it relates to women's reproductive options and to answer questions which may arise from time to time. Workers employed within a supportive nature at clinics or hospitals may also find this newsgroup of value as well.

Since alt.support.abortion.moderated will not require anyone to disclose their Pro-Choice or Pro-Life leanings, all posts will be judged as to the nature of the content in relation to the newsgroup's Charter. Posts which contain derogatory remarks will be returned to the sender who can then choose to edit their post to conform to charter rules. The criteria for judging posts is provided on this web-site. The appeals process is listed as well. If anyone is at all concerned for their own safety, or does not wish to receive unsolicited e-mails, or does not want their name to appear in the newsgroup, they may make arrangements to post through one of the moderators who will ensure that your privacy is respected. The list of moderators along with their e-mail addresses is listed on this site.

Please take the time to become familiar with the information provided on this web-site before you write your post. We would also welcome comments and suggestions as to how we can further develop and improve it. Also, please don't hesitate to contact our moderators if you have any concerns at all about the contents of the alt.support.abortion.moderated newsgroup.

Heidi Graw -- e-mail hgraw@uniserve.com