Anti-Choice Groups Gear up for January 24th (UPDATED)

As the 38th anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision approaches, several Religious Right groups are gearing up for anti-abortion activism on January 24th. While the listing below is by no means exhaustive, it should give readers a sense of what large Religious Right groups have planned for the day.

First, anti-abortion advocates will take part in the "March for Life", an annual rally and march in Washington D.C. on January 24th. Representative Michelle Bachman (R-MN) is due to give the keynote address at the Rose Dinner that evening, in line with her anti-choice views.

Second, Family Research Council will host "ProLifeCon," a live webcast conference on the morning of January 24th. Speakers will include Jill Stanek, Lila Rose of LiveAction, David Bereit of 40 Days for Life, and other prominent anti-choice advocates.

Third, Concerned Women for America will be hosting its own webcast entitled "No Tax Funding for Abortion Act" on the morning of January 24th. The webcast, which will focus on permanent legislation prohibiting the use of federal funds for abortion, will feature several anti-abortion politicians, including Representatives Joe Pitts (R-PA), Michelle Bachmann (R-MN), and Pete Olson (R-TX).

But why should anti-choice groups be the only ones coming together for the anniversary of Roe v. Wade? Pro-choice people can also show their support for reproductive rights and the organizations that support women's right to choose. Events (including parties, theater performances, and dinners) will be taking place all over the country in the coming weeks, including Washington D.C., Santa Barbara, San Fransisco, New York, and Portland. Contact your local Planned Parenthood or NARAL branch to learn about anniversary events in your area.

UPDATE #1: The pro-choice Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice will be holding a vigil to commemorate Roe v. Wade on Monday, January 24th at 3:30 p.m. in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C.

UPDATE #2: Words of Choice has a list of even more pro-choice events across the U.S. Check out the link to find out about events in your region.