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Oh, wow ... sniff

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Her lover (and co-star) Gary Cooper had persuaded her to have the abortion, as he was still married and had a daughter with his wife. That daughter, Maria Cooper, famously spat on Neal to show her displeasure that Neal had interfered with the marriage of the Coopers. However, later, the wife and daughter reconciled with Neal.

Maria Cooper is credited with helping Neal return to Catholicism. And, despite her hatred of the affair, Maria Cooper is said to have complained to Neal that the aborted child was the only sibling Maria Cooper would ever have and that she wished that the child had been given life.

Patricia Neal openly admired fellow actress Ingrid Bergman, who gave birth out of wedlock to a son by Roberto Rossellini, and was therefore denounced by the United States Senate.

Neal said that Bergman had “guts” and that Neal wished that she had had the guts also to carry her baby to birth.

Joshua Mercer of Catholic Vote Action, noted Neal’s death and her pro-life views in later life.

“Neal stood out against the grain of Hollywood by calling for the defense of unborn life. It was learned from her own mistakes,” he said.

“Neal appeared as a guest on The View and spoke gently about how abortion creates anguish and sorrow. She often said simply but powerfully: ‘Don’t make my mistake. Let your baby live.’”

“I had the chance to hear her speak about six or seven years ago and I can say without any hesitation that everyone in the room was moved by her testimony,” Mercer continued.

Even the New York Times noted her abortion regrets in its obituary:

During her affair with Cooper, she became pregnant. She had an abortion and according to her 1988 autobiography, “As I Am,” (written with Richard DeNeut), she cried herself to sleep for 30 years afterward.

“If I had only one thing to do over in my life,” she wrote, “I would have that baby.”

“Never underestimate the power of forgiveness! Maria Cooper understood that Jesus forgives, so she found the strength to do so as well. I believe that Patricia is eternally grateful,” Mercer said.

The courage that eluded her at age 21 was certainly shown in later years. Rest in God’s peace, Patricia Neal.

>> she cried herself to sleep for 30 years afterward.

Abortion is in no uncertain terms the killing of innocent human life. I would expect any clear thinking individual to recognize the absolute tragedy of terminating the human at its infancy. No one knows for sure what would have become of the lost soul, but no doubt the love and unpredictability would have been abundant.

We cannot turn the clock backwards, so I look with optimism towards the future. It’s not for me to forgive, but I certainly realize forgiveness exists for those who pray for it.