Anyone weary of the incessant productions — and incessant debate — over “The Vagina Monologues” can take heart. Someone has produced a fitting counterpoint:

A play created by a member of a Minnesota theater company aims to be an alternative to “The Vagina Monologues,” a popular campus play but one that is often criticized for its sexual explicitness.

Jeremy Stanbary of Epiphany Studio Productions says his play, “The Vitae Monologues,” portrays powerful stories of hope and healing from women who have suffered from the psychological and physical effects of abortion.

Stanbary, founder and executive director of the Minneapolis-based Catholic production company, was inspired to write this play a few years ago after hearing women and men speak publicly of their experiences dealing with post-abortion syndrome at a Silent No More event in Minnesota.

Sarah Preissner and Stanbary star in the one-act play designed for performance particularly on college campuses or at high schools.

“These personal and very real testimonies are unfortunately often dismissed by the secular, medical community,” said Stanbary in a telephone interview with Catholic News Service.

“The Vitae Monologues” or “The Monologues of Life” opens with a scene in a therapist’s office, where several people talk about seemingly unrelated problems they’re having in their lives. Each one has experienced trauma in the aftermath of an abortion.

“Oftentimes symptoms don’t appear until years later,” Stanbary said. “Since Roe v. Wade, women have been repressed and ignored, but we’re seeing an influx of women coming forth, telling their stories of post-abortion syndrome — understanding that they are not alone.

“This play gives women a voice within our culture and their stories need to be told,” he added. “The greatest deception is that abortion is good for women and helps women.”

You can read more about the play and its authors at the link. And you can learn more about the Epiphany Studio by visiting its website.