Pro-life group to gather Saturday in Cape Girardeau

For the third year, organizer Cheri Adcock is assembling her prayer troops at Kingshighway and Independence Street in advance of the 42nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion.

Adcock calls Saturday's meeting from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. a peaceful gathering to pray and educate, not a rally or a protest.

"A lot of people might think we are haters," Adcock said, "that we hate people who have abortions. But, really, it's based on love. We want anyone considering an abortion to know the options and think about things before making a decision."

The U.S. Supreme Court rendered its Roe v. Wade decision Jan. 22, 1973.

Adcock said for the past few years, about 20 people have gathered at the event. But she hopes this year about 40 will show up. The event is sponsored by the SEMO Life Savers, the Cape Girardeau chapter of Missouri Right to Life.

Adcock became involved in organizing the gathering four years ago after accompanying members of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau on a bus trip to March for Life in Washington, D.C. She recalled how much she enjoyed the experience, joining hundred of thousands of others in the nation's capital to raise awareness about becoming pro-life.

It was after that experience Adcock realized she could start something similar in her hometown. People of every denomination are welcome at Saturday's event.

In 1973, the court ruled for a woman's right to privacy in determining a person has a right to an abortion until her fetus becomes viable. The Roe decision defined viable as being "potentially able to live outside the mother's womb, albeit with artificial aid" and specified viability can occur as early as 24 weeks during pregnancy.

The ruling has prompted debate for decades

Adcock said all signs or placards at Saturday's gathering must be nonoffensive and that participants should respect the law.

smaue@semissourian.com

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