St. Louis, MO — One of the oldest and largest pro-life organizations in the country will mark 30 years of fighting to protect the right to live at its national convention in St. Louis over the Independence Day holiday.
At least 1,000 pro-life activists are expected to attend the three-day National Right to Life event, scheduled for July 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency at Union Station.
Scheduled speakers include entertainer and banquet keynote speaker Ben Stein and commentator Michael Medved, both outspoken pro-life advocates. Appearances also are planned by St. Louis Archbishop Justin Rigali and Missouri Secretary of State Matt Blunt, a Republican.
Holly Miller, the organization's national field coordinator said the group also expects President Bush to greet convention goers with a videotaped message.
The theme of the event, in keeping with the holiday, is “I am an American.” Although the convention also will address euthanasia and health care, Miller acknowledged that the primary focus will be on how to end abortions.
Missouri Right to Life President Pam Manning said the selection of St. Louis as this year's convention site is “an honor for the many pro-life people who are here.”
Dozens of workshops will be held on a variety of topics including the impact of abortion on the black and Hispanic communities, updates on chemical abortion methods, and the latest efforts to stop groups seeking to legalize assisted suicide.
Paula Gianino, president of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, said her organization will not likely protest the event. However, Bill Baird, an early leader in the pro-abortion movement who annually protests the convention, is expected to attend.
Meanwhile, leaders of the local chapter of NARAL Pro-Choice America say they are discussing what action to take, if any, to show their opposition.
“We are in the process of deciding how much energy and resources to devote to a direct action,” said Carolyn Sullivan, executive director for the Missouri affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America. “We have not ruled out a protest of their presence.”
(This article courtesy of Steven Ertelt and the Pro-Life Infonet email newsletter. For more information or to subscribe go to www.prolifeinfo.org or email infonet@prolifeinfo.org.)
