Extreme weather doesn't stop anti-abortion rally
Despite wind chill temperatures dipping to minus 9 on Sunday afternoon, about 80 anti-abortion advocates gathered in downtown Chicago for a March for Life sponsored by the city's Catholic archdiocese.
After departing from Holy Name Cathedral at 735 N. State St., at about 1:30 p.m., participants marched to the Chicago Water Tower on Michigan Avenue hoisting protest signs displaying phrases like "Stop All Abortions," "Abortion Kills" and "Babies’ Kisses are Heaven’s Candy."
"From conception all the way to death, we're human beings," said Paul Baplinski, who drove in from the suburbs for the march. "What's in the womb is a baby, and that child has a right for life and the right to live the life that God has brought him into this world for."
Baplinski's fiancée, Kasia Glowhey, said the pair plans to get more involved in the activities at Holy Name Cathedral parish after learning about the church’s activism against abortion.
"I wanted to learn more about God’s plan for saving lives and hear all about life and not death," Glowhey said. "… Anything that has to do with promoting life starting from conception, I’m all for it, so this is kind of helping me fulfill that."
Tuesday marks the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark case giving women the right to choose abortion. Catholic churches throughout Chicago have planned vigils, prayer services and other events during the week in protest.
Planned Parenthood Chicago Area is hosting a gala Thursday in celebration of the anniversary at the Ritz Carlton Hotel at 160 E. Pearson St. The event is in honor of abortion rights advocate Helen Zell and will feature a new documentary and photo journal.