By Mark Weyermuller -
Thousands of pro-life activists marched Sunday in Chicago to celebrate life and protest abortion in America. The march is held annually at this time of year in response to the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion 44 years on January 22, 1973, commonly called Roe V. Wade. There are estimates that 55 million babies have been legally killed (some say murdered) in that time.
Cardinal Blase Cupich spoke to the enthusiastic crowd before the march saying a simple message, "Life wins." He was joined on stage by Congressmen Darin LaHood, Peter Roskam, and Dan Lipinski. Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran was the master of ceremonies. A moving story was told by abortion survivor Gianna Jessen.
Others attending the march included Illinois state representatives Jeanne Ives and Tom Morrison, State Senator Dan McConchie, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak, and WLS 890-AM radio host Stephanie Trussell. Also seen were prolife activists Joe Scheidler, Eric Scheidler, Bonnie Quirke, Sandy Weir, Babette Holder, and Chris Iverson.
The crowd included many young people coming from as far as Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana. This annual public event is composed of people from diverse ethnic, social, and religious backgrounds dedicated to defending and protecting all human life.
There was a handful of pro-choice (pro-abortion) activists holding a counter protest across the street. They numbered about a hundred, but they left before the march began. The pro-abortion protesters had signs including "Abortion is healthcare " and "Safe clinics-safe abortions." One might ask, "How can an abortion be safe?"
One pro-life sign that stood out indicating that abortion was the leading cause of death in the African American Community. Another sign read, "Common Sense 101, You Don't Kill Babies."
There is a sense of cautious optimism as a new Republican Congress is discussing defunding Planned Parenthood who happens to be the largest abortion provider in the country. I had a chance to hear the president of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards speak a couple months ago at the University of Chicago. She was asked in the Q & A this question, "Is a baby a baby the day before it is born?" She would not answer the question, but went on to discuss women's healthcare. Here is my story about it in Illinois Review.
On Friday night, I attended the first annual Rose Dinner which featured a panel discussion by Illinois Senator Dan McConchie, Representative Peter Breen, Mary Hallan FioRito, and Eric Scheidler. Congressman Randy Hultgren also was a featured speaker. It was sponsored by SpeakOut Illinois and March for Life-Chicago.
There was also a variety of church services and masses held that morning celebrating life including a large one at my high school alma mater Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.
There is also more cautious optimism as a new President Elect Donald Trump is expected to appoint a pro-life conservative to the Supreme Court. Expect the debate to heat up over the coming months. The National March For Life will be held Friday, January 27, 2017 in Washington D.C.
Again it can't be said enough, "LIFE WINS."
Mark Weyermuller is a small business person, real estate professional, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist and regular contributor to Illinois Review. Mark can be heard weekly on the radio in a "man on the street segment" at 10:31pm as a regular guest on the Stephanie Trussell Show heard Sunday nights 9pm-midnight on WLS 890-AM.
