Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Marching to the (heart)beat of the unborn

As I watched parts of the March for Life on TV last week, I couldn't help telling myself that the situation in the Philippines regarding reproductive health should in no way reach the stage it's in in America. Imagine having to fight for the rights of the unborn, or trying to reverse a law that has already decriminalized a form of murder. But then I've read from several different sources that majority of Americans now believe abortion to be "morally wrong," based on a recent survey. No matter how bleak the situation seems to be, there indeed is always hope!

And this is what drives the organizers and participants of the March for Life to descend to Washington DC every year. Now on its 37th year, the event drew hundreds of thousands of people again (the official count is still not available, though initial estimates given were between 200,000 and 400,000) to stand up for the voiceless, to remember the 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision and its horrific repercussions and to celebrate life. I scoured the Net for photos of the event:




The banner at the start of the march -- see the vibrant young folks all raring to get going! More photos at St. Blogustine




Policemen preceding the marchers to make sure everything runs smoothly. Photo from Deacon for Life






Young folks from St. Patrick's Church. "Every time a baby is aborted, love is denied" say their signs. More photos here




One of my favorite photos of the event. Photo by Cliff Owen/AP.




The huge crowd consisted of young and old, some in wheelchairs, some in strollers.




I believe this little guy's sign reads "Everyone deserves a birthday." Indeed!




Stand True has been at the March for Life the past several years, and I think these are among the folks, at prayer. More photos at the Charismatic Episcopal Church flickr




No change you can believe in.




The March always culminates at the Supreme Court. Here at the building's facade are some friends from Generations for Life, the youth arm of the Pro-Life Action League.




Now THAT is a free choice. More photos at the Pro-Life Action League's flickr




Abby Johnson is no newcomer in the quest for recognition of rights but this is her first time to take part in the March for Life. Abby is the former director of a Planned Parenthood abortion facility who had a change of heart a few months ago after watching the procedure on ultrasound. Her liberation was a gradual one, being in the prayers of sidewalk counselors for years. Here she is with David Bereit of 40 Days for Life.



Abby being interviewed by an ABC news reporter.




Busloads of enthusiastic participants came from near and far. This photo was taken by one of the many who traveled 18 hours from Chicago. More photos -- and an interesting account of some pre- and post-March activities -- at 2SecondsFaster.com




Hopefully signs like this help underscore the obvious (or what to many is obvious).




I wonder if this is his way of proposing to someone in particular (or paying tribute to his wife?).




Can't get any more dynamic than this!




AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais




More young folks defending life




Women of Silent No More Awareness Campaign hold up one of their signs in front of the White House, since those in power seem to forget -- or ignore -- what every pregnant woman really needs.


---------------------------------------------



Some folks in the Philippines crafted a Statement of Solidarity with the participants of the Jan. 22 March for Life, and students of the University of Asia and the Pacific had a tarpaulin stating the Statement made to enable others to express their support as well by signing it.





Statement of Solidarity with the January 22 March for Life

We, concerned Filipinos from all walks of life, who uphold, respect and protect the dignity and quality of human life from natural conception (fertilization) to natural death, and the natural institutions of marriage and the family, hereby express our solidarity with the people participating in the January 22, 2010 March for Life in Washington, D.C., USA.


The photo shows some freshmen students who posed for a shot after putting their signatures on the tarp.



** Addendum: See more photos at Jill Stanek, Catholic Fire, 2SecondsFaster, and a great video at Family Research Council.



4 comments:

Matt said...

Thanks for the shout-out! I will be glad to explore the links you have provided, if for no other reason than to see if I got into any of these pictures!

Valerie Jane said...

You did a great job compiling all the pictures. Thanks!

petrufied said...

it's so nice to see so many pictures in one place ;) i like that one with the "everybody deserves a birthday" best :D

sunnyday said...

Matt, Valerie,

It was a tiring pleasure looking through all that documentation of the event! Such a diverse crowd, really, being united by one cause. It is wonderful! Hope you had fun viewing the photos too.

Petrufied, I know what you mean! And the first time I saw that sign, too, it really struck me. Especially since it was a kid holding it! Of course they would be concerned about other children/babies being given the chance to have a birthday/ birth day! :-)

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