ANTI-ABORTION ACTIVISTS PREPARE FOR VETO SESSION

Maybe the letters and phone calls aren't enough to convince Missouri legislators that partial-birth abortions are wrong, area Christians say.

But they believe in the power of prayer.

Right-to-life supporters from Southeast Missouri will be holding an ecumenical prayer service at 3 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Cemetery of the Innocent along Siemers Drive.

Many also will attend a rally Sept. 15 in Jefferson City that is designed to show support of the Legislature's ban on partial-birth abortions.

"It's the prayers of God's people" that are going to make a difference, said Sherri Mehner. "We are doing God's work and just trying to be obedient."

The prayer service will include pastors from five area churches, representing Catholic, Lutheran and other churches. The service, which is planned to last 35 minutes, shows that "this is something we do have unity about," Mehner said.

Pro-life supporters have already faced a long battle in the Legislature. Lawmakers passed the partial-birth abortion bill in May only to have it vetoed by Gov. Mel Carnahan.

The bill made it a "crime of infanticide" to perform partial-birth abortions. The procedure includes extracting a fetus, legs first, from the womb then cutting an incision in the skull to drain its contents so that the head fits through the birth canal.

The Catholic lobbyist who helped write the legislation will meet with Carnahan Wednesday. Despite Carnahan's veto, area right-to-life supporters remain optimistic.

"It's not done in vain," said Jeanette Dohogne of SEMO Lifesavers. "All we can do is show them that abortion is wrong."

Dohogne admits that it is unlikely Carnahan will reverse his decision. But she's not giving up. "Ultimately it is the Lord that is going to soften their hearts. How the Lord uses us is up to him."

SEMO Lifesavers plans to take a four-bus caravan to Jefferson City for the opening day of the Legislature's override session. "We feel that we have to speak out," Dohogne said. "We want the legislators to know we are the people who put them in office."

Even if the veto stands, the message has to be sent. "We are speaking for the most helpless," Dohogne said.

And as discouraging as it might seem to face the constant struggle, Christine Stephens sees it as a test of faith.

"We always try to show them love," Dohogne said, "so that they know whatever they do they can always be forgiven."

PRAYER SERVICES

WHO: Right-to-life supporters, members of Missouri Right to Life chapter

WHAT: Prayer rally

WHERE: Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City

WHEN: Sept. 15

WHY: To gain support for a veto override of a bill that bans partial-birth abortions.

For more information, call Richard Cuba at 334-7000 or 334-0913.