Pro-choice supporters rally on Roe v. Wade anniversary

Dave Sutor, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·3 min read

Jan. 22—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Even though Roe v. Wade was overturned more than a year and a half ago, the anniversary of the Jan. 22, 1973, Supreme Court of the United States ruling that provided constitutional protection for abortion is still a time when both pro-choice and pro-life supporters hold rallies and discuss the issue hoping to bring support to their cause.

Locally, on Saturday, Johnstown for Choice members gathered outside Planned Parenthood-Johnstown Health Center, holding signs, chanting and encouraging drivers to honk their horns in solidarity.

"We're here to support a woman's right to choose," said Adrienne Daily, an organizer of the gathering. "Abortion is health care. Small towns need people to be visible because a lot of times people are afraid to stand up. There is a lot of support for this. Every time we're out here, we gain more support.

"As I stated, pregnancy cannot be covered by a blanket law. Each pregnancy is different. Each pregnancy is unique."

Jane Lloyd, a participant in the rally, described abortion as "a very complicated issue."

"I think there are very many reasons to need an abortion," Lloyd said. "And I think if you're not the one going through that, you don't really have a right to make that decision for somebody else."

Countless pro-life rallies also took place across the country, including the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Tony DeGol, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown's communications secretary, issued a statement regarding the issue of abortion.

It read: "Some individuals or groups often attempt to confuse the discussion with clever or misleading language, but, in reality, the issue of abortion is very simple and very clear. The unborn child is a human life that is made in the image and likeness of God, and the Catholic Church will always stand in defense of life from the moment of conception until the moment of natural death.

"The Church is also committed to accompanying expectant mothers and nurturing families who are facing challenges. No one has to walk alone. It is our hope that everyone can rise beyond the politics and division so closely tied to the issue of abortion and unite to create and celebrate a wider culture of life in our world."

Earlier in the week, U.S. Rep. Dr. John Joyce, R-Blair, spoke about abortion during a speech on the Floor of the House of Representatives.

"As a doctor, I swore an oath to first do no harm and to protect the sanctity of human life," Joyce said. "Here in Congress, we also swore an oath to protect our country and our citizens. And that means that we must stand for human life."

Tony DeGol, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown's communications secretary, issued a statement regarding the issue of abortion.

It read: "Some individuals or groups often attempt to confuse the discussion with clever or misleading language, but, in reality, the issue of abortion is very simple and very clear. The unborn child is a human life that is made in the image and likeness of God, and the Catholic Church will always stand in defense of life from the moment of conception until the moment of natural death.

"The Church is also committed to accompanying expectant mothers and nurturing families who are facing challenges. No one has to walk alone. It is our hope that everyone can rise beyond the politics and division so closely tied to the issue of abortion and unite to create and celebrate a wider culture of life in our world."

Earlier in the week, U.S. Rep. Dr. John Joyce, R-Blair, spoke about abortion during a speech on the Floor of the House of Representatives.

"As a doctor, I swore an oath to first do no harm and to protect the sanctity of human life," Joyce said. "Here in Congress, we also swore an oath to protect our country and our citizens. And that means that we must stand for human life."