Abortion Ruling Anniversary Marked

Both Sides Plan Events In Washington, But Real Work Now Is In State Capitals

Activists on both sides of the issue Monday were marking the 34th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

The annual March for Life will be held in Washington. President Bush will call in his support to the anti-abortion rally. Abortion rights activists will hold a vigil at the Supreme Court and present political leaders with a petition signed by thousands of women who have said they have had abortions.

In contrast to recent years, when participants at the March for Life in Washington urged the Republican-controlled Congress to expand fetal rights and restrict abortions, activists are now discussing defensive strategies in the face of the Democratic takeover. "Christ said we must be as clever as serpents and harmless as doves," said the Rev. Rob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council. "With pro-choice leaders in the House and Senate, we may need to be downright snaky."

Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota was announcing its legislative agenda for the year Monday, while Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life was holding its annual March for Life and program on the front steps of the state Capitol.....