Pro-Lifers Across America Stand Together for Life

By Liz Townsend

Buoyed by the inauguration of a pro-life president, thousands of right to lifers across the nation commemorated the 28th anniversary of legal abortion in America with new hope and determination that unborn babies will be "welcomed in life and protected in law."

These words from President George W. Bush cheered the hearts of pro-lifers who have waited eight years for a president who respects life. This new promise on the national scene encourages those on the state and local level in their fight to pass pro- life legislation and educate their neighbors about the worth of all people, born and unborn.

"Today, we have a president who understands that killing a human being is wrong," Ken Wilson, Oregon Right to Life president, told the hundreds of enthusiastic pro-lifers who attended a rally at the capitol in Salem January 21. Oregonians in other cities also held events such as a Walk for Life and baby shower in Douglas County the same day.

In neighboring Washington state, close to 4,000 people marched for life in Olympia January 18. Arriving right on time to participate in the rally, four men walked from Seattle to Olympia on a four-day "Pro-Life Hike" to show support for the sanctity of all life.

These commemorative events are proof that pro-lifers are fighting hard for the lives of unborn babies, never backing down even during the long years of the Clinton Administration. "It's worth noting that after 28 years there are still thousands of pro-

lifers who some to the Capitol," said Jackie Schweitz, executive director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, said at the March for Life January 22 in St. Paul. "That's how faithful the pro-life people are."Over 7,000 right to lifers, as well as St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, 65 legislators, and Archbishop Harry Flynn, joined Schweitz at the rally and march around the capitol building.

Many events combined demonstrations with prayers and assistance for those facing crisis pregnancies. At Maine's Hands Around the Capitol rally in Augusta January 20, participants were asked to help the state's crisis pregnancy centers by bringing baby items and financial donations in a program called "Arms Around Moms." Hundreds braved cold temperatures for the annual event.

Many different events were held all around Michigan, including prayer vigils, memorial services, motorcades, and marches. "The pro-life people in Michigan know that ending the life of an unborn child doesn't end social problems for the community or a mother's personal problems," said Barbara Listing, Right to Life of Michigan president. "We will continue developing a climate of life in our state reaching out with love and compassion to women facing a crisis pregnancy."

Arizona pro-lifers focused on healing for women who have had abortions, with speakers at a Rally for Life in Phoenix January 21 telling the crowd of 1,000 that there is hope and assistance available for women dealing with post-abortion trauma.

The state capital of Madison, Wisconsin, was also the site of a rally that included words of healing for post-abortive women. About 100 pro-lifers gathered near the state capitol square January 20. Wisconsin right to lifers also gathered in cities such as Baraboo, Milwaukee, and Sheboygan.

Other rallies highlighted legislation that will be the focus of pro-life efforts this year. In Arkansas, 5,000 right to lifers attending the March for Life in Little Rock January 21 heard Gov. Mike Huckabee speak about the women's right to know bill currently moving through the legislature.

Nebraska's legislature will consider a ban on research using tissue from aborted unborn babies, and the 2,000 pro-lifers who attended the Walk for Life in Lincoln January 20 received packets that included information on the proposed ban and postcards to send to legislators.

The Rally for Life in Austin, Texas, January 27 included calls for the passage of pro-life legislation, including a bill mandating a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion. In addition, the 1,500 participants heard life-affirming words from Norma McCorvey, the "Jane Roe" in the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. "I hope one day we won't have to meet like this, and children will be saved," she said.

McCorvey also spoke at the rally in Columbia, South Carolina, January 13. Hundreds of pro-lifers - - the largest turnout in years - - marched from the University of South Carolina to the State House in warm weather. In neighboring North Carolina, right to lifers attended a march and rally in the state capital of Raleigh the same day. Thousands more from the state traveled to Washington, D.C., the next week to attend the national March for Life January 22.

The national march was the destination for pro-lifers from many states, including Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Louisiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvanians also attended events such as a prayer breakfast in Scranton and a march and motorcade in Erie. In neighboring Ohio, pro-lifers attended a Youth Rally for Life in Columbus, a candlelight vigil in Sidney, a prayer vigil in Troy, and a Congressional Breakfast before the national March for Life.

Kentucky right to lifers also met with members of their congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., January 22. In addition, abortion opponents in the state held a rally in Louisville on the Jefferson County Courthouse steps, a benefit dinner in Bowling Green, and a Rally for Life in the state capital of Frankfort.

In Tennessee, pro-lifers held a variety of commemorative events, including a display of crosses for the unborn in Lenoir City, a prayer service and motorcade in Crossville, and the placement of flowers on a memorial to the unborn in Knoxville. Florida pro- lifers also hosted several events, including a cross display in Pensacola and marches in Naples and Jacksonville.

Snow fell in Birmingham, Alabama, during the Pro-Life Rally and March January 20, but hundreds of right to lifers braved the cold and made a stand for life. Thousands of Georgia pro-lifers also stood "Together for Life" in January 22 at the capitol in Atlanta, hearing speeches and then taking a silent memorial walk around the city's downtown.

Pro-lifers gathered in other state capitals as well, including Sacramento, California; Denver, Colorado; Montpelier, Vermont; Boise, Idaho; Topeka, Kansas; and Springfield, Illinois. In North Dakota, Bismarck was the site of a rally on the capitol steps January 21. Next door in South Dakota, pro-lifers came to the state capital of Pierre for an Hour of Reflection January 22 and a Life Chain January 23.

A rally and Life Chain also took place in Reno, Nevada, January 20. Pro-lifers in Boston, Massachusetts, attended the 28th annual Interfaith Assembly for Life January 21, a peaceful, prayerful celebration of life in the Great Hall of historic Faneuil Hall.

Rhode Island's state capital, Providence, was the site of a well- attended rally January 14. The keynote speaker was high school student Ryan Connors, who spoke eloquently on the moral crisis in America caused by abortion.

Echoing the vow made by pro-lifers in every state, he insisted, " Rights come from God and not some human choice."