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Pro-lifers picket NOW meet

By Janet Baker

During the weekend of July 11-13 the National Organization of Women (NOW), one of the most rabidly pro-abortion, pseudo-feminist organizations in existence, held its annual convention at the Double Tree Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va.

On the afternoon of July 12, ten pro-life activists from Maryland and Virginia stood outside the hotel to protest NOW's anti-life stances. They held a variety of signs, some of them the "Face the Truth" signs.

An Arlington City police officer tried to con­vince them to go across the street. Having previously conferred with police officials, the pro-lifers declined the suggestion.

Admittance to the hotel was not a possibility, as they were watched at all times by hotel security personnel. As cars drove into the parking lot, the drivers were offered flyers to explain the purpose behind the pro-lifers' presence. For the most part, recipients were polite, if not in agreement.

Very few of the convention attendees ventured out towards us. However, overlooking the main area where the pro-lifers gathered was the hotel lobby. It was impossible to see into the lobby, but quite possible to see out (the layout of the hotel and the surrounding area was researched beforehand).

It is reasonable to assume that NOW attendees were watching the pro-lifers; from the hotel rooms on higher floors, people were observed watching us.

One young college student did brave the "right-wing conspiracy extremists." She asked why we were out there. An amicable discussion was had. She heard the truth about abortion, its harmful effects on women, and the personhood of the unborn child presented in a cohesive fashion, most likely for the first time in her life.

One major theme of the NOW convention was preparation for the March for Choice that they, along with Planned Parenthood, NARAL and the Feminist Majority are planning to hold in Washington, D.C., in April, 2004. We pro-lifers will need to prepare for that, too, as we will have a presence there!