How a Retired OB-GYN and Pro-Life Advocate Does the Colson Fellows Program

Welcome to the Pursuit, a series documenting the experiences of a Colson Fellow-in-Training as they seek to walk wisely in this time and place. Each segment will provide an insider’s look at what a prospective participant can actually expect should they choose to embark on the journey themselves. 

In this segment, we sat down with Catherine Wheeler (Class of 2021), a retired OBGYN doctor from Colorado Springs, CO, and asked her to share her experience with the Colson Fellows program. The Colson Fellows program is designed for busy men and women from all walks of life in mind. Here's a glimpse inside. Enjoy!

The Pursuit: Catherine Wheeler

How a retired OBYGN and Pro-Life Advocate Does the Colson Fellows Program in Between Watching Her Grandkids and Speaking Out for Life in the State of Colorado
As told to the Colson Center Communications Staff

What is your occupation? I am a retired OBGYN physician. I’m also a former abortionist. I don't work in clinical medicine anymore, but I work in the pro-life sphere in a variety of ways: Trying to reinvigorate life-affirming medicine, telling the truth about abortion and the developing baby, public speaking, public policy work, and leading with AAPLOG Colorado (American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists). 

When did you become a follower of Christ? Just a few years ago. I spent most of my life away from God after growing up in a minister’s family and walking away in college. After the end of my marriage at 51, I turned to God, met His love in the midst of a heartbreaking situation, and watched Him begin to redeem every part of my life. God began to give me a clearer understanding of my past participation in abortions. Processing that has been a long journey with Him, but it’s been beautiful to be in the light instead of the dark. 

I had been a practicing OBGYN in Utah, but after my divorce I eventually moved to Colorado, where I was really confronted by the extremeness of abortion. During my OBGYN residency early on, I had opted in to doing abortions because I thought I was helping women. But one day God took the blinders off. In the middle of an abortion, I realized I was taking the life of a human baby. I was undeniably aware of a dark, evil presence behind me. From then on, I swore I would never perform an abortion. I’m so thankful God stopped me from continuing to perform abortions early in my career, even before I came to Christ. I had done enough damage with the abortions I did perform—because one is too many. 

What led to your interest in the Colson Fellows program? Soon after moving to Colorado, I met new friend, Wendy. Her daughter Sarah led the Colorado Springs cohort at the time. I told Wendy I was interested in working for an organization that fights human trafficking, but she told me she believed I was supposed to go into the pro-life space and work with AAPLOG (the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists). I trusted her insights, asked God for guidance, and joined AAPLOG. Later that year, she told me, “You really need to do the Colson Fellows program.” I was convinced, and I submitted the application within a day or two of the deadline. 

What Colson Fellows cohort are you in? I participated in the Colorado Springs cohort, class of 2021. 

How many CFITs were in your class? We had about 20-25 participants. It was such a diverse range of people . . . men and women from all different walks of life—teachers, doctors, ministry workers. Everyone brought something so unique. They challenged me in the best way, which was so valuable to me because my thinking had been shaped by secularism for so long. 

How did you approach the workload for the Colson Fellows program? Do you have advice for other participants? My approach was to just do a little bit every day. For other medical professionals considering the program, don't be concerned about the reading level—you'll definitely be able to handle it. But stay on a schedule! If you get behind, simply pick up right where you’re supposed to be in the program and catch up on previous material in bits and pieces as you go. I fell behind because I got to take care of my grandkids during COVID (which I loved!), but making incremental progress worked for me and I was able to finish the program on time.  

What’s been your favorite book? One of the most important aspects of the program for me was simply immersing myself in God and who He is. Knowing God by J.I. Packer really helped me do that. 

Most challenging moment? Leading the group discussion—although it was also the best moment! I am really introverted, and I had just gone through a dark time of rejection with the end of my marriage. It was hard to be in front of people. But the Colson Center’s motto of clarity, confidence, and courage helped me step out in faith. I remember seeing the motto on the wall where our cohort met. I made sure to lead my group discussion early on because I knew it was an area of weakness for me. But it was the best thing, because I did it around the same time that God was opening up opportunities for me to discuss abortion issues publicly. 

That year, there was a big proposition to restrict abortion after the baby could survive outside the womb in Colorado, and I had been invited to share my story as a former abortionist, now pro-life advocate, at a fundraiser. It was my first public speaking opportunity and I was scheduled to go right after leading my cohort discussion. My cohort leader, Sarah, knew this, and so she asked me to tell the group what I was about to do. I was anxious about sharing my story with my cohort, but I did it anyway, and they were so supportive. They even prayed for me before I went to speak for the proposition. That experience gave me the courage to speak more publicly. It was amazing. If you can imagine someone like me public speaking, it’s shocking—but it’s all God. I’ve been totally shocked at what God has done. I wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for the Colson Fellows Program. 

What did you decide on for your personal mission plan as a commissioned Colson Fellow? My mission plan was originally about parenting, but God has continued to open doors for me to work in the pro-life movement in Colorado and beyond, so that’s what I’m doing. It’s a process. Coming from a very secular pro-choice feminist view, it’s been a lot of work for me to get out of that way of thinking. I’m focused on immersing myself in truth and getting the “yuck” out of my mind. 

The thing is, there’s a huge field of harvest when it comes to abortion, and a lot of churches are not stepping into it. Many refuse to talk about abortion. So, you’ve got at least one in four women in church—as well as men and families—who are wounded and not receiving healing because a lot of churches refuse to talk about it. And there’s a harvest of medical professionals like me, who formerly aligned with the Evil One, and they need healing! They’re hiding and they’re broken. So, I'm always happy to share my story because I know God saves. God loves. God wants to snatch them out of it. Just like Paul. Paul did the most awful things, and then God used Him in the most powerful way to save people. So, I'm looking for the harvest. 

What would you say to someone considering the program? Ask God! If God says to do it, then take His hand and step into it. Be open to whatever He wants you to do. Say yes and be ready for an incredible experience. Know that your relationship with God is going to grow in ways you can’t even imagine, if you just say “yes.” Be ready for an incredible experience, incredible relationships, deep roots, and some challenging things—because that’s how God changes us! It’ll be one of the most beautiful growth experiences you’ll ever have. You’ll have a whole new community of people, and you’ll get to talk about things you never get to talk about in the world. It’s going to make you stronger, bolder, more courageous, and clear about what’s true. The world needs you! 

 

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