Anniversary of Roe v. Wade stirs up debate

THOMPSON FALLS – The morning of Wednesday, Jan. 22 was dreary but the sunlight peeked through the clouds and illuminated the people marching down Main Street. The protesters advocated their personal beliefs, either pro-life or pro-choice, in light of the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

The Roe v. Wade case was a momentous decision by the United States Supreme Court on the issue of abortion. On Jan. 22, 1973, the court ruled in favor of Roe indicating abortion was a fundamental right under the United States Constitution. The historical moment has had a strong impact on U.S. politics ever since.

Every year on the anniversary, hundreds of thousands of people all over the country march and share their views on abortion. Dozens of Sanders County citizens joined in regardless of rain or shine. Organizer Tom Farrenkopf was among them.

“I believe that God creates life at conception. We [the pro-life protesters] do not think it is a choice of a person to decide who should live and who should not,” Farrenkopf said. “Every life is precious.”

Prior to the event, Farrenkopf sent letters out to 33 churches in the surrounding area in order to recruit for his cause. Around 52 people who shared similar opinions showed up to march.

“Many of the folks who attended are pro-life and do not like the fact that around 4,000 babies are killed every day from abortion,” Farrenkopf said. “We are trying to change people’s minds to the fact that life begins at conception.”

No matter which side of the fence one is on, there was a welcoming place on Main Street that day. The group that gathered by First Security Bank was pro-choice and Wade Nelson was among them.

“I believe that the government overreaches when it starts to tell people what they can or cannot do with their body and with their health services,” Nelson said. “The choice is a woman’s right and we [pro-choice protesters] are for rights.”

Despite the different opinions, the two groups have always been civil to each other in light of the Thompson Falls Roe v. Wade anniversary march.

“We have had folks [pro-choice protesters] there every year and there have never been any conflicts, in fact we wave to each other,” Farrenkopf said. “They are allowed their opinion and we respect that.”

Nelson agreed with the affable nature present at the event.

“We have heartfelt conversations and are amiable with the opposing side,” he said. “People get along fine in our valley.”

When asked what he remembered about the Roe v. Wade case, Farrenkopf said he disagreed with the decision even then and hoped it would be changed.

“I was in my 30s and I thought it was a very sad thing to have happened. I had some expectation that the Supreme Court would reverse their decision but they never did,” he said. “Hopefully it will be reversed someday.”

Nelson also recalled the historic day when the decision was made. He felt very differently about the outcome.

“I was younger and more strident. I remember being excited that women’s rights were being heard and supported by law,” he said. “Women in the 1960s were supposedly liberated but still were not fully liberated under laws.”

The march itself was a success, but for many protesters the war will not be won until change is made.

“I was very thankful to the folks that showed up,” Farrenkopf said. “We are going to continue our fight even if we have to march again next year.”