Local pro-lifers take a stand against abortion

Since 1987 the first Sunday in October has been set aside for a peaceful protest called Life Chain. Christian groups all over the United States and Canada stand in solidarity for 90 minutes praying for an end to abortion.

On Sunday afternoon more than 100 people lined the sidewalks on Atlanta’s Main Street in front of the Cornerstone Assembly of God holding signs that proclaim “Abortion Kills Children.”

For 33 years, pro-life Christians have stood in support of the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death. It is this line of thought that, in their eyes, marks abortion as murder.

Organizer Mary Sherman took over her task from Max and Kathy Murdock a few years ago. It was she who sent invitations to churches throughout Cass County inviting them to join in the 90-minute protest.

“It’s supposed to be a peaceful, prayerful, but bold, statement to our community and our representatives that we stand for life,” said Sherman. “We offer help to those who may be considering an abortion to realize there are other options and we can help them find what those options are.”

One of those options is First Choice Pregnancy Center in Texarkana. “They will give aid, counseling, supplies for their children – whatever they need for a healthy pregnancy,” she said. “They give support and encouragement, because if you’re considering an abortion, there’s a lot of stress and trouble in your life.”

The state of Texas bans abortions after 20 gestation weeks, unless the mother has a life-threatening medical condition or the fetus has a severe abnormality. Under Texas law, after 16 weeks gestation, the abortion can only be performed at an ambulatory surgical center or hospital.

On July 12, 2013, lawmakers in Texas approved tough new restrictions and rules for clinics. Although abortion providers fought those restrictions all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and managed to get the restrictions overturned in 2016, most of the affected clinics remain closed.

Today, there are just 22 open clinics in a state that is home to 29 million people. Most clinics are clustered in the major cities of Dallas, Houston and Austin. It is Life Chain’s mission to further reduce that number – not only in Texas, but all of the U.S.

“Abortion doesn’t only kill the child – it causes pain and guilt and remorse to the parents,” said Sherman. “They need to also understand that Jesus will forgive and heal.”