PRO-LIFE RALLY — Two marchers display their banners at a May 6 pro-life rally in Regina. (Flegel photo)

Pro-life rally attracts 500

By Frank Flegel

REGINA — A cool, windy day didn’t deter about 500 people from showing up for the pro-life rally, mass and march to the legislature May 6.

About 300 attended the mass held at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church and another 200 joined the procession to the legislature, where they were greeted by members of the government. Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson welcomed the group as they gathered in front of the building, but said nothing about abortion. He simply told them it was their building and they had a right to be there.

The mass was celebrated by Campion College president Benjamin Fiore, SJ, of Regina, and Bishop Bryan Bayda and Rev. Jeffrey Stefaniuk of the Eparchy of Saskatoon. All three joined the march to the legislature, where they were joined by Regina Archbishop Daniel Bohan. Students from three Catholic high schools along with students from other Christian schools were prominent.

Regina Pro-Life board member Michael Martorana said that about 1,800 abortions were performed in Regina and Saskatoon in 2006, according to the latest Statistics Canada figures. He called for an end to tax-supported abortions, parental consent for anyone under 19, and legislation that would provide a woman with information about abortion so she could make an informed choice.

Marchers carried placards decrying abortions and the reality that they are financed through the health system. Several carried enlarged photos of aborted foetuses. Most marchers represented local pro-life organizations.

Since 1969 Canada has had no restriction on abortions, although most doctors will not perform them after the second trimester.