Marching for Life: VIDEO

As it has for a number of decades now, New Hampshire Right to Life held services, a rally, and march to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which is next week.

Pro-lifers, including many Catholics, Knights of Columbus, and others held a memorial service at the city’s transfer station where a number of fetuses were found buried in the ground in the 1980s. The activists later congregated at the Statehouse, signing spirituals and hymns, praying, and calling for an end to abortion.

Ashley Pratte, the executive director of Cornerstone Action and Cornerstone Policy Research, noted that New Hampshire was ranked third in the country for advances in pro-life legislation, according to Americans United for Life.

“But we know it’s not enough,” she added. “While this is an inspiring day, it’s also a bittersweet day for people who have to come out here to say that killing innocent babies is something we’re still working to overturn.”

After the rally, hundreds marched from the Statehouse, with two men carrying a coffin, to the Concord Feminist Health Center on South Main Street, where at least a couple of activists became aggressive with about 50 pro-choice activists who were outside the center, according to center's executive director, Dalia Vidunas.

At least four Concord Police officers were seen outside the center, preserving order.

The pro-lifers later congregated at St. John the Evangelist for another event.

At the health center after the rally, the mood was festive and upbeat, despite the tension out on Main Street, with activists enjoying pizza and cookies. 

Vidunas said it was the second year activists, supporters, and staffers gathered at the center to counter the March for Life, celebrating a woman’s right to choose.

“It’s was a great turnout for us,” she said. “And we will continue to do it from now on.”

The 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade is Jan. 22. A national March for Life will be held in Washington, D.C., Jan. 25.