By Anne Marie Amacher
Jan. 22 marks the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions that gave women the right to an abortion in all 50 states. The landmark cases legalizing abortion were Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton; decisions in both cases were released the same day.
Based on numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and the Guttmacher Institute, it is estimated that more than 56-million children have been killed by abortion since the landmark decision.
To mark the anniversary, pro-life groups in Iowa have planned events:
Bettendorf — The Women’s Choice Center, 2711 Happy Joe Drive, will host a recitation of the rosary, followed by a candlelight vigil. The rosary will be said inside the center beginning at 6:30 p.m. The vigil begins at 7 p.m. The event is open to anyone seeking to join in peaceful and prayerful reflection in memory of the lives of women and babies who have been lost due to abortion.
The Women’s Choice Center is a pro-life facility overseen by Life and Family Educational Trust.
Davenport — Quad City Right to Life will host an open house and celebrate the 13th anniversary of Life’s Little Treasures Resale Shop on Jan. 26 from 1-5 p.m. at the store, 2906 Brady St. Tour the shop, which includes a pro-life educational area, and view a 3-D ultrasound video. Take home giveaways.
Des Moines — The second annual Midwest March for Life will be held Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. on the west steps of the Iowa State Capitol Building. The Roe v. Wade Effect lunch and program will be held at the Iowa Events Center. Lunch buffet will begin at 12:30 p.m. and the program at 1 p.m. A youth event targeted to college and high school students will be held at the center from 2:30-4:30 p.m. with speaker Bryan Kemper and a live band.
Fairfield — Members of Jefferson County Right to Life plan to attend the Midwest March for Life in Des Moines. For the month of January, First National Bank in Fairfield chose Ottuwma’s Heartland Pregnancy Center for its “Earn While You Learn” program. Bank employees who make a donation are allowed to wear jeans on Fridays. Bank customers and the general public also are invited to make donations during the month.
Fort Madison — North Lee County Right to Life will hold its annual march Jan. 18 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Avenue F and Tenth Street. Participants will walk through downtown and return to McAleer Hall for refreshments.
Iowa City — Johnson County Right to Life encourages people to attend the Midwest March for Life in Des Moines.
Catholics invited to 9 Days of Life
Catholics across the country are invited to participate in the 9 Days of Life.
According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the prayerful recognition will be held Jan. 18-26 to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
People are encouraged to participate by downloading the application for Android and Apple phones, receiving text messages or email. Materials are available for viewing online at www.9daysforlife. com.
Each day a simple novena will be available with intercessions, reflections and suggested acts of reparation each day for the healing and conversion of the nation and people impacted by the culture of death.
