March For Life 2010

{personal note - naturally, the article is entitled negatively "abortion opponents" rather than a more positive, less radical "supporters of life," "pro-lifers," etc. It is so typical and deeply ingrained in the MSM to portray us unflatteringly. At any rate, it is still media coverage, and the article isn't too bad overall. Please join us on Friday to pray for an end to abortion.}

"The measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members."

Aren't you glad YOUR mom chose life?

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Abortion opponents to converge on D.C.

By Marcia M.
The Daily Item

January 18, 2010 05:56 am

— Andy and Michele Stefo and seven of their eight children will join the massive 37th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Friday to protest abortion.

“The kids will see first-hand what we’ve been teaching in the living room,” Mrs. Stefo said of their children, who range in age from 3 to 16. “They’ll get to come together with thousands of people from all walks of life in love and prayer speaking out for people who can’t speak up and say this is wrong.”

Every year since 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that women have the legal right to end a pregnancy, as many as 250,000 abortion opponents have taken to the streets in Washington to voice their outrage.

S________ resident Joseph S. has joined the protest in recent years and said he’s heartened by polls showing a growing number of Americans oppose abortion. “I think it’s the young people who are realizing it’s a baby in the womb,” he said, referring to the droves of youths who turn out yearly.

“The entire mall is filled with people,” said Mr. Stefo, who along with his wife has attended several times since 1997. “It’s an amazing environment. There’s a cross-section of people and faiths, including Gays for Life and Women for Life.”

The aim is to overturn Roe v. Wade, and Stefo said he’s going to the march “with a hopeful heart.”

The hurdle, he said, is attracting media attention and changing the minds of lawmakers who “turn a deaf ear” to their effort, as well as recent town hall meetings and the national health care debate that is exposing a rising displeasure with legalized and proposed tax-funded abortion.

It may not happen soon, but Libby T., of S_________, said she’s heartened by the number of young people who oppose abortion and are getting involved with the movement. “They’re so pumped,” she said of the crowd gathered at the event. “In spite of the cold, the teenagers are enthusiastic, singing and listening” to speakers who in the past have included President George W. Bush and Martin Luther King’s niece, Alveda King.

Pro-choice supporter Lisa W., program director of Family Planning Plus of S., U., N., M. and J. counties, said while she believes the decision to terminate a pregnancy should be made by a woman and her physician, “I certainly support anyone’s right to their own opinion.”

Instead of having pro-life and pro-choice supporters at odds, Wehr said, the focus should be on family planning services and providing women with the resources to avoid an unwanted pregnancy in the first place.

For the first time, organizers of the demonstration are planning a two-hour rally the night before the march in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House.

Other events include the National Prayer Vigil for Life, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and broadcast live on the Eternal Word Television Network.

On Friday morning before the start of the march, more than 20,000 young Catholics are expected to attend the Washington Archdiocese youth rally at the Verizon Center.

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