By Anne Marie Amacher
As the 39th anniversary of legalized abortion approaches, organizations in the Diocese of Davenport and across America are planning various activities to mark the date.
On Jan. 22, 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:
Bettendorf – The Women’s Choice Center will hold a candlelight vigil on Jan. 21. Rosary begins at 6:30 p.m. in the upper room at the pro-life center. Then participants will walk up the hill to Heritage Church for prayer and worship from 7-7:45 p.m., said Vicki Tyler, executive director of the Women’s Choice Center. Something new this year is what Tyler calls “cardboard testimony.” Individuals will stand, hold up a piece of cardboard and share their testimony. At 7:45 p.m. participants will process down the hill to pray in front of Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa. Refreshments will follow in the Women’s Choice Center.
Des Moines – Iowa Right to Life will host an event Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn – Des Moines Airport. Sue Thayer, former Iowa Planned Parenthood manager; Justine Kyker, who suffered a botched abortion in Des Moines at age 19; and Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue, will speak. Reservations are requested by Jan. 26. For more information or to make a reservation, email iowa@iowaRTL.org or call (515) 244-1012. Donations will be accepted at the event to help defray costs.
Fort Madison – The annual North Lee County Right to Life March for Life will be held Jan. 28 beginning at 10:30 a.m. The walk starts at 10th Street and Avenue I in Fort Madison. Walkers will proceed from Avenue F to Avenue G to Sixth Street, north to Avenue F, west to 11th Street, north of 11th Street to McAleer Hall where refreshments will be served.
Jefferson County – Jefferson County Right to Life is asking supporters to submit letters to the editor in several area newspapers. Fliers will be placed in parish bulletins from Heartland Pregnancy Center, said Karen Crossland, the group’s president.
Rock Island, Ill. – The Sir Knight Larry Quane 32nd annual pro-life breakfast will be held Jan. 22 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Farrell Hall, St. Pius X Parish. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under, or $18 per family. Tickets sold at the door. Proceeds support pro-life activities in the Quad-City area.
Washington, D.C. — People from throughout the Diocese of Davenport will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual March for Life to be held Jan. 23.
Quad-City Right to Life supports the Women’s Choice Center candlelight event and will host a display at the Knights of Columbus pro-life breakfast. Pro-life literature is being distributed at Life’s Little Treasures Resale Shop in Davenport, which is run by QCRTL, said the organization’s president, Lorrie Bowman.
