Dozens Mourn Birth Of Legalized Abortion Atlanta Bombing Undermines Their Movement, Protesters Say

Nearly 100 abortion opponents marched through ice and rain Saturday, marking the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Roe vs. Wade decision.

Carrying rain-smeared placards and wind-wrinkled posters, the protesters quietly urged passers-by to pray for an end to abortion.

Even the dozen or so children - some teenagers, some younger - were here because they understand the horror of halting life before it’s given a chance, said protester Marie Poll.

“A little bad weather won’t be enough to keep them away,” she said. “People are committed to this cause. More now than ever.”

Wednesday marks 24 years since the 1973 decision that legalized abortion.

The peaceful, hourlong march up six blocks of Sherman Avenue came in the wake of an abortion-clinic bombing in Atlanta that angered and saddened the Idaho anti-abortion activists.

“You can’t be against abortion and support violence,” marcher Kathy Christensen said. “It’s a contradiction.”

Several protesters said such extremism hampers a movement that should be about “education, legislation, spirituality and caring,” Christensen said.

“We’re not out here carrying aborted fetuses or threatening people,” she said. “Most people in this movement aren’t like that. They know a woman who has been through something like an abortion needs support and compassion.”

In fact, Christensen said, the anniversary convinces her she also should be educating the public about another practice now under debate: physician-assisted suicide.

“That’s before the Supreme Court now, and there’s no telling what it could mean for the future,” she said. “Back in 1973, who could have guessed we’d be headed toward a culture of abortion on demand?”

Today in Spokane, abortion opponents will meet at 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Fourth Memorial Church, 2000 N. Standard. After a short introduction, they’ll march several blocks to Planned Parenthood.

Each participant will be given a carnation to place on a coffin outside the clinic, symbolizing the abortions performed, Anderson said.

Marchers then will return to the church parking lot to hear speakers and hold a rally.

Across the street from the church parking lot, members of the Washington chapter of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League will begin a vigil at 1:45 p.m.

They will display a chain made of coat hangers, to symbolize the deaths of women when abortion was illegal.

Police plan to be at the anti-abortion rally to ensure that the marchers are safe and that private property is protected.

“We’re not expecting any trouble,” said Sgt. Rob Alderson, police special events coordinator, who said he’s talked to both groups.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo