As thousands took part in Women's marches all over the country Saturday, there was another March that brought big crowds.
A large anti-abortion crowd marched through downtown Syracuse Saturday. The rally marked 45 years since the Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade, legalized abortions. Christina Fadden Fitch is the president of Syracuse Right to Life and one of the organizers of the march. She said she is encouraged by congressional bills that impose restrictions on abortions.
“When you speak about the political climate though, what we see is the logjam," Fitch said. "Things that have wide support, polls are done, that have limits on abortion can’t get through. That’s the frustration with the political climate a lot of times, that it becomes a political football so the people’s will isn’t done.”
John Petrilli is a right-to-life activist who has been coming to the march for many years. He said more people should take the time to come to one of their rallies and meet pro-life supporters.
"It's families, when you go down to the Washington march, it's families that are there," Petrilli said. "These are normal Americans that care about the Holocaust that has taken place. I believe that it is the issue of our culture. If you can't protect unborn babies, you're in trouble. What other rights are worth anything?"
In October, Mowhawk Valley Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney helped pass a House bill banning late term abortion. Speaking on the floor of the House last week, Tenney said it was one of the most important struggles to protect the sanctity of life.
"As a mother, it’s among my top priorities to advance pro-life and pro-women policies in Congress and I will continue to promote a culture that respects the most precious gift of all, the gift of life," Tenney said.
Tenney was scheduled to speak at the Syracuse Right to Life march, but was in Washington because of the government shutdown.
