Pro-choice groups to hold

Roe v. Wade celebration
To commemorate the 29th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision and awaken surrounding pro-choice issues, ProChoice Coalition of Oregon and Planned Parenthood will hold their “Candlelight Celebration” at 6 p.m. today in the First Congregational Church, 1050 E. 23rd Ave.
Pro-choice politicians, such as Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, will be speaking and lighting candles at the event, along with activists, health care providers, students and religious leaders.
“This celebration should be a call to action for the pro-choice majority to demand that President Bush nominate, and the (U.S.) Senate approve, only individuals who will uphold Roe and a woman’s right to choose,” said Kitty Piercy, a member of ProChoice Coalition of Oregon.
In 1973 the court ruled to make abortion legal. But with talk that a justice might retire and with a Republican president in the White House, Piercy said this could be the last Roe v. Wade anniversary celebration.
The candlelight celebration will also give organizers a chance to urge citizens to vote if they want to keep existing freedoms.
“The right to choose is in danger at a national and local level,” Piercy said.
Ken Henry, Central Presbyterian Church minister, will also be speaking on the religious support for choice.
“It is very appropriate that the voices of clergy be heard on this auspicious day,” clergyman Greg Flint said.

— Ben Hughes