Residents defend life in nationwide March

THOMPSON FALLS – Residents gathered in front of the Sanders County courthouse, Friday, to voice their opinions about the lagality of abortion, joining marches around the country, during the annual March for Life. 

The march started in front of the Sanders County Courthouse and travelled to Ferry Street. It took them less than an hour and passed most of the businesses in town; the timing meant most people were out for lunch and Thomas Farrenkopf, one of the march’s organizers, said the marchers talked to people who had questions about their views.

According to Farrenkopf, they had approximately 50 people at the march. He said this was fairly close to last year’s numbers, but noted the weather was not great and may have kept some people inside.

“It sort of let up for the march,” he said. “Later in the day, we had more rain.” 

While the march was against Roe v Wade, there were also people for the other side around. County residents who are pro-choice came out with their own signs to voice their thoughts as well. Farrenkopf recalled seeing people with pro-abortion signs on some occassions. He said he does not hold anything against these residents and said his only hope is to possibly change their minds.

“Some friends of mine are pro-choice and we talk about it once in awhile,” he said. “We don’t ostracize them; they’re still our friends and neighbors.”

There were not many pro-choice people out this year. Farrenkopf recalled there were usually more for the march and the weather probably played a roll in them not showing up as well.

Farrenkopf said the march went very smoothly. The Thompson Falls PD and Sanders County Sheriff provided an escort for them, but there was very little issue with traffic or trouble makers.

The goal of the march was to protest the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v Wade and promote it getting overturned. Similar marches happened in Missoula, Helena as well as Washington D.C. and Farrenkopf felt it was likely they were being done all over the country. He hoped the marches had some impact on people to reach out to lawmakers and that the men and women in Congress take notice.

This is the fourth year Farrenkopf has been organizing the march, but he was not sure how long it had been going on since the law passed. He said the Knights of Columbus was very involved in the marches and have been very active in organizing the marches for several years.