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Defend Life pickets Assembly opening

Maryland legislators converging in Annapolis on January 14 for the opening day of the General Assembly saw graphic reminders of the ugly reality of abortion, thanks to Defend Life.

Over 30 Defend Lifers holding large posters of aborted babies ringed Lawyers Mall in front of the State House during the hour preceding the noon opening session of the General Assembly. The pro-lifers, bundled up to protect themselves from single-digit temperatures, offered the legislators and staffers heading to the State House fliers titled, "How Safe is Abortion in Maryland?" The fliers cited documented deaths of Maryland women due to abortion and concluded, "Maryland needs strong abortion regulations."

The Pro-Life Caucus is introducing legislation this year to regulate free-standing abortion clinics, which are at present not licensed or regulated by the state.
Other pro-life-related bills under consideration during this session include a bill requiring parental notification before a minor can have an abortion, The Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and The Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2004.
Eight Maryland state troopers, one with a police dog, stood watch during the demonstration. 

One of the troopers told pro-lifer Missy Smith that they were there in case "pro-choicers" showed up and caused a confrontation. No pro-abortionists appeared ("It was too cold for them," Missy commented dryly), and the troopers left after about half an hour.

Pro-life activist Vince Perticone said the reactions of passersby were varied.  Some young women "kind of smiled and laughed nervously; they didn't know how to respond to these pictures," he said."Several people who looked like elected officials looked at the pictures real close, then walked away without saying a word."

There was the usual passing motorist who leaned out his window to yell and scream, said Vince.  "And of course, there are those who go by stiff-necked, refusing to look." One man told him, "I'm not 'pro-choice,' but isn't that picture a little extreme?" "That's what abortion is!" Vince exclaimed.  A woman passing by chimed in, "It's murder!"

Del. Carmen Amedori, a pro-life Republican from Carroll County, "was so pleased to see us!" Vince said. In fact, he said, "I've had five people come up and say, 'Thanks for being here.'"

Defend Life Director Jack Ames, handing out fliers at the other end of the mall, experienced a similar response. "The pro-life legislators are very pleased we're here," he said. Jack and Lori Watts were interviewed separately by TV reporters, on hand for the opening session.Asked by a reporter what kind of legislation she would like to see passed, Lori replied, "Obviously, I'd like to see Roe v. Wade overturned. "But at the very least, I would like abortion clinics regulated.  They don't even have the regulations that veterinarian clinics have.  As a nurse, I think that's outrageous."

After the demonstration, 22 of the pro-lifers went by private bus (provided by pro-lifer Catherine Connelly's son, bus company owner Brian Connelly) to Buddy's Crab House in Annapolis for a free luncheon buffet, paid for by a pro-lifer who asked to remain anonymous.

The demonstrators came from as far away as Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Howard, Harford and Carroll counties.