Respect Life Rally

To the Editor:

When abortion was legalized in 1973, many specifics about the developing fetus were still a mystery. Since then, advances in science have offered an explosion of information resulting in a virtual “window into the womb.” Improvements in ultrasound technology now provide parents with three-dimensional photos of their unborn child. Other technology enables expectant parents to hear their developing child’s heartbeat before the pregnancy even shows. Even more amazing, corrective surgeries on pre-born babies while still in the womb are becoming quite common.

This year’s keynote speaker for Sheboygan’s Respect Life Rally was present for one such surgery in 1999. Michael Clancy, a world-famous photojournalist, was hired by USA Today to photograph a spina bifida corrective surgery for a 21-week-old fetus who has since been named Samuel. During the surgery, Samuel reached out of his mother’s womb and grabbed ahold of the surgeon’s finger. Michael continued to snap photos during the event, and the phenomenal experience changed his life forever. When Michael entered that operating room, he was prochoice and was overwhelmed by witnessing the reality of life inside the womb.

Please join us for this year’s 25th annual Respect Life Rally and meet Michael in person. His story is amazing. The rally will also feature “Missa,” a local woman who was faced with a difficult pregnancy at a young age. Her story will give hope and strength to others who may be struggling with similar situations.

Sen. Joe Leibham will update the audience on the changing political scene and let us know how that will affect society’s most vulnerable members. As a society we have the awesome responsibility to speak up in defense of those who can’t speak for themselves including the elderly, the handicapped and the pre-born. This rally gives us the tool to do just that.

The rally is sponsored by the Sheboygan Chapter of Wisconsin Right to Life and will be held Sunday, March 14, in the North High School Auditorium, 1042 School Ave., Sheboygan, from 1:30-3 p.m. Music provided by ARC will precede the rally beginning at 1 p.m.

There will be a special drawing for a $50 iTunes card for teenagers in attendance. Complimentary refreshments will follow the program and there is no charge to attend.

Please join us for this special rally and celebrate the beauty of life. Mary Jumes, rally coordinator