Abby Johnson with Coalition for Life Director Shawn Carney

College Station, Texas, Nov 2, 2009 / 10:51 pm (CNA).- A director of a Planned Parenthood affiliate in Texas has resigned after eight years with the organization because watching an ultrasound of an abortion triggered a “massive” change of heart. "I just thought I can't do this anymore, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that's it," said Johnson, who resigned from Bryan Planned Parenthood on Oct. 6.

She had been its director for two years, KBTX TV reports.

Johnson said Planned Parenthood was struggling in the tough economy and was changing its business model from one that advocated prevention to one that focused on abortion.

"It seemed like maybe that's not what a lot of people were believing any more because that's not where the money was. The money wasn't in family planning, the money wasn't in prevention, the money was in abortion and so I had a problem with that,” Johnson told KBTX.

She said she was told to bring in more women who wanted abortions.

"I feel so pure in heart [since leaving]. I don't have this guilt, I don't have this burden on me anymore that's how I know this conversion was a spiritual conversion," remarked Johnson, a churchgoing Episcopalian.

She has now given her support to the Coalition For Life, a pro-life group with a building down the street from Planned Parenthood.

According to the Coalition's website, Johnson's decision to resign occurred during its sixth 40 Days for Life campaign. “This is by far the most amazing thing that has happened to the Coalition for Life throughout its entire history...we thank God!” the site says.

The Coalition’s volunteers regularly pray on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood. Johnson has been meeting with Coalition executive director Shawn Carney and has prayed with volunteers outside of Planned Parenthood.

In an e-mail to supporters, Carney said Johnson experienced a “massive change of heart” after witnessing an abortion on an ultrasound machine.

“I have been working with Abby over the last few weeks and she has even prayed outside of the clinic she once directed,” he reported.

“I have known Abby ‘through the fence’ since getting involved and working for the Coalition for Life. We have always been on the sidewalk to pray for everyone involved in abortion, especially those who work in this industry and it has been a blessing to see this happen over the last few weeks.”

Carney reports that Johnson left Planned Parenthood “on good terms.” The organization offered Johnson her job back with more money, but she refused on moral grounds.

“Abby believes in the power of prayer and she thanks all of you for your peaceful presence outside of her former workplace all of these years,” Carney’s message concluded, asking for continued prayers for Johnson.

According to KBTX, on Friday both Johnson and the Coalition for Life were issued temporary restraining orders filed by Planned Parenthood.

“We regret being forced to turn to the courts to protect the safety and confidentiality of our clients and staff, however, in this instance it is absolutely necessary,” said Rochelle Tafolla, a Planned Parenthood spokesperson.

The organization contends that it would be irreparably harmed by the disclosure of certain information.

A hearing about the order has been set for November 10.

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