To the editor:

We are approaching Jan. 22 at which time we will commemorate the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which overturned the laws of all 50 states and legalized abortion on demand by removing the protection of the law from unborn children.

A media campaign with celebrities from entertainment, education and government celebrated the decision and predicted that the acceptance of abortion was “inevitable.” Those who opposed the killing of unborn babies were portrayed negatively. Actual facts about the reality of abortion were ignored and pictures of aborted children were never shown. It did appear that abortion might become totally entrenched in the American culture.

Fortunately, however, scientific advances in fetology and ultrasound techniques enabled people to witness the reality of life before birth with the result being that more people now identify as pro-life than at any other time since Roe v. Wade. Pregnancy centers to assist mothers with difficult pregnancies were established. Pro-life educational groups were created which gave people access to the facts about prenatal development and the methods of abortion. (www.abort73.com)

The pro-life movement became a place of healing and hope for those burdened with difficult pregnancies or the guilt of an abortion. Women who had abortions became an important part of the movement. (www.silentnormoreawareness.org).

Abby Johnson, the former director of a Planned Parenthood “clinic” describes her journey from abortion worker to pro-life activist in her book, ”Unplanned.” She now ministers to other abortion workers desiring to leave the industry.

Because the right to life is the foundation upon which other rights are dependent, it is urgent that we persevere in building a culture of life; it is truly a matter of life or death. The candlelight Vigil on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the courthouse is a way to commemorate the 57 million babies whose lives were destroyed by abortion during these past 43 years. It is a time to remember all those wounded by abortion — the mothers and fathers; siblings and grandparents. It is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the restoration of legal protection for unborn children by joining our local Right to Life group. It is a time to pray for continuing conversion and healing in our culture and government.

Mary C. Schmiesing

Sidney