Tuesday is the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v Wade, the landmark case that legalized abortion.
Groups on both sides of the controversial issue will be marking the day.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis was the first Catholic diocese to organize a Pro Life committee just 6 weeks after the famous court ruling.
Today that committee is called the Respect Life Apostolate.
Executive Director Karen Nolkemper says the Archdiocese will focus on commemoration of the un-born and recommitting to ending abortion.
“Whether you’ve been fighting for life, four days or nearly 40 years you’re never alone,” Nolkemper said. “God’s got your back; and what people need to realize in this particular mission field it’s more like a long marathon rather than a short sprint.”
Masses, holy hours and prayer vigils will be held at parishes throughout the Archdiocese to mark the day.
Sixteen hundred teenagers and adults also will travel from St. Louis to Washington D-C to take part in the March for Life on Friday.
Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri has been providing reproductive services to women since 1932.
President and CEO Paula Gianino says the anniversary of Roe v Wade is a time to reflect on the fact that women still need access to safe and legal abortion.
She says most Americans have moved beyond the labels of Pro-Choice and Pro-Life.
“These labels don’t reflect the complexity of these issues and decisions that women and couples make about whether or when to have children, about contraceptive choices,” Gianino said.
Planned Parenthood’s Women’s Leadership Circle will meet Tuesday night to mark the anniversary and discuss the future of women’s health care in the U.S.
On Thursday evening Planned Parenthood will take part in a reception organized by the Freedom of Choice Council.
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