Demonstrations mark divisive court decision

Thursday, January 22, 2015, was the 42nd anniversary of the historic Roe v Wade Supreme Court Case, which focused on the issue of abortion.

The court ruled during the  lengthy Roe v Wade case that the due process clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution protected a woman’s right to an abortion because it fell within her rights to life, liberty or property.

The due process clause of the 14th Amendment protects citizens from state laws which could inhibit or deny a person of his or her inalienable rights.

Derived from the due process clause is what is known as substantive due process. Protected under substantive due process is the inalienable right’s of a citizen which are not discussed in the constitution, but can be derived or extended from one that is. This was the key factor in the court ruling.

However, the court ruled that the states must balance the woman’s rights with states interests, protecting prenatal life and regulating abortions. To ensure that the states could not gain too much control over the fetus, the court tied the states’ power to the third trimester. The court later rejected this framework from tying the states power to the third trimester, to when a fetus reaches viability.

Since the landmark decision 42 years ago, there has been, and still is, much debate between the rights of women to have abortions and how much power the state and federal government has in the decision. New laws have been passed, as medicine has improved, moral debates continue, and the national status quo has shifted.

On the anniversary, Thursday, about 50 people gathered outside of the court house in Thompson Falls to march in protest of abortion, and to show support for pro-life.

The Knights of Columbus organized the event, which consisted of individuals marching down 200 through the main thoroughfare of Thompson Falls with a police escort, holding signs and banners with slogans.“They have been very supportive.” said Cy Hentges, of the Knights of Columbus, describing how the police provided an escort for the group.

Hentges said that the Knights of Columbus sends out letters to all of the churches, inviting congregations to participate in the march down the main business stretch. He then remarked that the march has occurred every year for 20 years on the anniversary of the Roe v Wade verdict.

To start off the march, a prayer was held by Charlie Denson of the Gospel Mountain Assembly of God. The marchers then walked down the street singing, “Amazing Grace.”

“It is really important we respect life on both ends! Before birth and the end of life, and that everyone dies of natural causes.” said Margaret Juneman. She marched with pictures of her eight year old niece’s sonogram and baby pictures from when she was young.

Linda Parker said, “We need to encourage living, not discourage living!” She also described her abhorrence towards Obama and his, “Obamacare,” which she remarked has death panels and that President Obama is for abortion.

As the marchers walked down the street, people driving by honked and gave thumbs up. Some people stepped out onto the sidewalk and took photos and cheered them on.

Despite the overwhelming amount of support, the pro-life supporters were met with a bit of opposition. A small group of individuals placed themselves along the route with signs that declared support for an individual’s right to an abortion and total control over health decisions.

As the marchers went by, the pro-abortion individuals yelled out jokingly, “Pray for me!” A few of the pro-life marchers quickly went over and talked to the opposition.

The marchers continued on singing, the two opposing and fervent sides remained calm, and the pro-life group eventually worked its way near the end of the business district and concluded their march.

Signs were packed up and a few individuals talked for a minute in a parking lot and eventually everyone got out of the cold and went on their way. Some into the local businesses and restaurants.