 "Photo: Janelle Turner")
The 37th annual March for Life held in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 22nd this year drew in more than 300,000 people, including STLCC-Meramec’s Circle of Life, an anti-abortion organization on campus.
The event marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade. The decision decriminalized abortion for women seeking them in the early months of pregnancy. The controversy surrounds interpretation of what “life” is and the rights of people involved.
“Abortion is the right to kill a child,” said club sponsor of Circle of Life Chris Smith. “For years, I would go to the clinics to pray on that day, but I was so glad to go [to the march]. I wanted to stand up for life.”
Starting at 2 p.m., the marchers were met with slight drizzle, but it soon cleared up and the group was able to enjoy the sites.
“It was all very peaceful. There was a lot of prayer and joyfulness. It was energizing and I was in awe at the many people who came… There was just a great solidarity there,” Smith said.
Smith and four other Meramec students rode a bus with the group Missouri Chooses Life to march a route around the Washington monument and Supreme Court.
“We wanted to be seen and heard by our legislators so that they could understand that we care about life, and that a significant mass of voters do not support abortion rights,” George Whittaker, Meramec student, said. “Giving every child a chance at life is the right thing to do. I think as a student at Meramec, that’s something I am fortunate to be able to share with others.”
Missouri Rep. Roy Blunt and Rep. Todd Aiken, along with other United States lawmakers, met at the Walk for Life to talk with marchers.
“I didn't see any opposition groups, but am told they were present at the capitol building located at the end of the march,” Whittaker said.
When faced with oppositional views, Smith has tried to find understanding in differential thinking. “I try to dialogue with a person. There is a fear and anxiety and misconception but women need a lot of support with this,” Smith said. “We are here to support one another. No one is asking you to raise your child, but let it live.”
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