Pro-life organizations nationwide and in the Diocese of Davenport will mark the 38th anniversary of the Jan. 22 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.
On that date in 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling titled Roe v. Wade led to the legalization of abortion in the U.S., but with restrictions. Later that day the Supreme Court ruled on a companion case, Doe v. Bolton, which allowed abortion for virtually any reason.
The following notices of events to observe the anniversary were submitted to The Catholic Messenger:
Albia — St. Mary Parish will hold a Rosary for Life prayer service on Friday, Jan. 21, at noon. Throughout January the parish also has a Sanctity of Human Life Crib in the foyer. Parishioners are asked to donate baby items for the crib, which will be donated to the local Nest program that provides for mothers and babies in need. On the weekend of Jan. 22, the parish also will hand out candles to each family as they arrive for Mass. Informational flyers also will be distributed.
Bettendorf — The Women’s Choice Center will host a candlelight vigil at the center Jan. 22. The rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. A program will follow at Heritage Church (located behind the center) from 7-8 p.m. An outside prayer service will follow in front of the Women’s Choice Center; refreshments will be served afterward inside the center. Quad-City Right to Life will run newspaper ads promoting life and the Women’s Choice Center candlelight vigil.
Fort Madison — North Lee County Right to Life will hold a March for Life at 10:30 a.m., Jan. 22. The march starts at Tenth Street and Avenue F, travels south on Tenth to Avenue G, then east on Avenue G to Sixth Street, then north on Sixth to Avenue F, then west on Avenue F to 11th Street, then north on 11th Street to McAleer Hall in Ss. Mary & Joseph Parish Center. Refreshments will be served.
Rock Island, Ill. — A pro-life breakfast to benefit pro-life organizations in the Quad-City area will be sponsored by the Knights of Columbus in Rock Island. It will be held Jan. 23 from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Farrell Hall at St. Pius Parish in Rock Island. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 12 and younger or $18 for a family (two adults and children under age 16). Tickets will be sold at the door.
