Recognition of Roe vs. Wade 30th anniversary differs

Iowans on both sides of the controversial issue of abortion will mark the 30th anniversary this week of the decision that legalized abortion in the United States. Over 100 members of “Iowans for Life” are taking a bus trip to Washington, D.C. today where they’ll participate in events marking the 30th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade — the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Kim Laube is the group’s executive director. She says there’ll be a rally and they’ll march past the Supreme Court building, and many will then talk with their legislators. Laube says it’s a sad event because of what Roe v. Wade has meant to the country. She says “we’ve lost just millions, and millions and millions of babies” over the past 30 years. Laube says they may be sad, but they’re not weary.She says they’re not tired and are “willing and ready and strong to continue the fight for the unborn.” She says they have hope that the lawmakers will change the law to be pro-life and pro-family. Laube says there’ve been some steps forward, but also steps backward on the issue. She says the euthanasia issue and the way the elderly are treated, stem cell research and cloning are all steps back, but she says there have been some steps forward too in some states. On the other side of the issue, Kendall Dillion of Planned Parenthood of Central Iowa says they’ll also recognize the anniversary, but it’ll be a celebration, not a somber occasion. She says it does point out the differences between the two sides as she says they believe woman should have the right to make their own childbearing decisions. She says Roe v. Wade didn’t invent abortion, it just made it legal. Planned Parenthood of Central Iowa will hold a celebration event in Des Moines Tuesday. She says it will include women who tell stories about what life was like before the decision legalizing abortion. Dillion says they are concerned about attempts to make abortion illegal. She says the Bush administration is doing what it can to restrict access to abortion rights, abortion service, contraception, and the right to make personal and private decisions.