Celebration of Life draws thousands on Roe v. Wade anniversary

This week marks 42nd anniversary of the historic Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 7-2 ruling affirmed a woman’s right to have an abortion under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. On Sunday, thousands of local Catholics marched to honor their right to be pro-life.

The Celebration of Life included praise, worship, a march and a mass by local Bishop Mark Seitz. People ABC-7 spoke with during the event said the debate is just as alive now as it was in 1973.

“I don’t think it’s morally right,” one teenage girl said. “After conception, life is there. You can’t just take away a life. It is a gift from God.”

Not only were people who attended the event joined together by having the same opinion, but sharing the same faith.

In 1971 Norma McCorvey, known in court documents as Jane Roe, filed suit against the Dallas County district attorney who was enforcing Texas state law that prohibited abortion.

On Jan. 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Roe.

Thirty years later, in 2003, Roe filed a motion with the U.S. District Court in Dallas to have the case overturned and asked the court to consider new evidence that abortion hurts women. The motion was rejected.

Although a peaceful march filled a normally busy Lower Valley street, a strong message was being given by those who took part.

Not everyone agrees with the people who participated in the Celebration of Life. ABC-7 wasn’t able to find any counter-protestors at the event. It’s important to remember there are people who support the Supreme Court’s decision and believe it’s a woman’s right to have an abortion if they so choose.