"Pro-lifers across the country are preparing to pay their respects to the estimated 47 million babies lost through surgical abortion by participating in American Life League's Pro-life Memorial Day on October 2," said Erik Whittington, director of youth outreach for American Life League. "The innocent children who have fallen victim to this American tragedy have no voice of their own. It is our job to speak up for the babies."
October 2 was the date chosen for the second annual event because it marks the U.S. Supreme Court's first day in session. "It was the Supreme Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton that decriminalized abortion and began more than three decades of slaughter," said Whittington. "Each of us should take time on this day to pray for an end to the tragedy of abortion, which has scourged our nation for the past 33 years."
Thus far, groups in Washington, D.C., South Dakota and Florida are among many that have announced plans to hold Pro-life Memorial Day activities. ALL's youth outreach team will lead a candlelight vigil outside of the United States Supreme Court building at 7:30 p.m. on October 2.
American Life League is also circulating a petition urging President Bush to designate the first Monday of every October as Pro-life Memorial Day. The petition is available online.
"It is tragic that we must set aside a day to remember the millions of children killed every single year in this country by abortion," said Whittington. "However, we will continue to fight through prayer and peaceful activism until no more children die."
Release issued: 18 Sept 06