Local residents will attend March for Life
Stem cell research and a new leadership in Congress are issues facing the pro-life movement as it heads into Monday’s March for Life in Washington, D.C. The 34th annual protest against the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalization of abortion attracts many local participants.
“We are taking two buses. We had a very big response and I’m not sure why,’ said Merle Skinner of the Christian Family and Children’s Center in Indian Head.
He believes the interest could be fueled by the change in leadership in Congress as it regards issues concerning the pro-life movement. Most prominent is the issue of embryonic stem cell research, which some scientists hope will help treat medical diseases such as juvenile diabetes and Parkinson’s disease as well as spinal cord injuries but the pro-life movement opposes.
Skinner also noted, “There’s been some stalling of appointments of some of the administration’s judiciary nominees by leadership in the Senate. There’s the potential to lose some ground. … It reminds us there are lots of things to be done even though we have a strong pro-life president.’
The Rev. Joseph Sredzinski, pastor of St. Hubert Roman Catholic Church in Point Marion and a member of the Fay-West Pro-Life Group, noted some members of the medical profession believe there are alternatives to embryonic stem cell research, such as using placentas.
“That’s encouraging news,’ said Sredzinski, who is traveling by car with several people to the march.
Local members of the pro-life movement spoke about medical advances that have helped the pro-life movement.
Chuck Kosco of the Greater Fayette Respect for Life in Uniontown said, “With modern technology – sonogram machines – people are able to see what a child looks like even though it’s not born. I think it’s turning people to our side. The polls show that people are leaning more towards us – more pro-life. I saw a poll that said if you’re under 50, you’re more likely to be pro-life than if you’re over 50. That shocked me. Maybe they didn’t have the information that we have now.’
Kosco said Uniontown residents are pairing with members of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Grindstone and St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church in Smock to take a bus to the march.
Geibel Catholic Middle-High School in Connellsville is sending a bus and Skinner reported 45 to 50 students are going from Champion Christian School as well as the local community.
“I think the experience of being in Washington and being part of the political process is valuable,’ said Skinner of the youths. “Most enjoy being part of a large crowd and they can stand for something. It’s a huge trip and you have to make up your school work so it’s a huge commitment for them.’
Organizations also are bringing their message home to youths. Sredzinski mentioned that Mary Ann Buchanan of West Virginians for Life will address high school students at St. Hubert Sunday afternoon.
But are concerns about the war in Iraq distracting people from the pro-life issue?
“It could distract them or bring attention to it,’ said Kosco. “… It’s all the same – all life issues.’
Sredzinski said, “There’s a definite focus on the war but that includes life. We’ve got to think of life across the board. Life is in the streets. Life is in the school. It’s not just on the warfront. We want to establish a definite culture of life.’
The priest has participated in the March for Life for about 30 of the 34 years it’s been in existence.
“I’m proud to carry my banner,’ he said.
Kosco said his group began in 1992 and he’s been participating in the march ever since.
“It’s something near and dear to my heart,” Kosco said. “I was raised to respect other people. That means to respect life. It goes from the beginning of conception. And my Catholic upbringing has a lot to do with it – going to Catholic school.’
Skinner said he goes because “It’s important to make a stand, even if it’s just for a day. It’s rooted in our biblical convictions of life being holy.’
People Concerned for the Unborn Child said local groups from Perryopolis, Carmichaels and Waynesburg will also participate. Contact numbers for local groups include Christian Family and Children’s Center in Indian Head, 724-593-9200; Fay-West Pro-Life Group in Point Marion and Everson, 724-725-3655; Greater Fayette Respect for Life in Uniontown, 724-437-3943; St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Grindstone and St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church in Smock, 724-677-2802; St. John Roman Catholic Church in Perryopolis, 724-736-8323; St. Hugh Roman Catholic Church in Carmichaels, 724-592-5539; and St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in Waynesburg, 724-627-7568.
The March for Life protests the Supreme Court’s 1973 decision that legalized abortion. The marchers will convene at noon Monday on the National Mall. After a program, they will march up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court. Afterward, many will meet with their representatives and senators.