Roe vs. Wade: 28 Years Later
W A S H I N G T O N, Jan. 22 -- Carrying signs that read "Defend Life" and"Stop Abortion Now," thousands marched to the Supreme Courttoday in an annual rite of protest against Roe vs. Wade, thedecision that legalized abortion nationwide 28 years ago.
But there was something different this year: President Bush, anabortion opponent sworn in two days before the "March for Life,"welcomed and encouraged the protesters.
"Two days ago, Americans gathered on the Washington Mall tocelebrate our nation's ideals. Today, you are gathered to remindour country that one of those ideals is the infinite value of everylife," Bush said in a message read by Rep. Christopher Smith,R-N.J., an outspoken abortion foe.
Abortion Foes See Opportunity
Abortion opponents hope to take advantage of the new politicallandscape to push a Republican-controlled Congress and White Housethey expect will be more sympathetic to overturning Roe vs. Wade.
Bush told the crowd he appreciated their efforts.
"We share a great goal: to work toward a day when every childis welcomed in life and protected in law," his message said. "Weknow this will not come easily, or all at once. But the goal leadsus onward: to build a culture of life, affirming that every person,at every stage and season of life, is created equally in God'simage."
Former President Clinton, a Democrat, supported abortion rightsand thwarted opponents' attempts to curb access to the procedure.He never addressed the gathering, but two of his Republicanpredecessors, George Bush and Ronald Reagan, generally sentgreetings.
The protesters, meeting for a rally on the Ellipse near theWhite House, were led in prayer by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.,before marching to the Supreme Court.
"Boy it feels good to say 'former President Clinton,"' saidRep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, adding that the country now has apresident who believes "human life is sacred."
Twice during his presidency, Clinton vetoed legislation tooutlaw a late-term procedure described as partial-birth abortion byits critics. Chabot said the measure would be reintroduced.
