The Maine Right to Life Committee held its annual Hands Around the Capitol Rally and March on Saturday, January 12, in Augusta, Maine. The rally and march publicly recognized and mourned the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade.

On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in the case of Roe v. Wade, which recognized that the constitutional right to privacy extends to a woman’s right to make her own personal medical decisions — including the decision to have an abortion without interference from politicians. Since that fateful day over 46 years ago, over 61 million innocent, precious babies have been aborted in our nation.

The activities of that day included a 10:00 AM Mass at St. Mary Church at 41 Western Avenue in Augusta. At 11:00 AM everyone gathered at St. Michael Catholic School gymnasium to network with pro-life community and view pro-life exhibits. There was then a rally with prominent pro-life leaders at 11:15 AM. Keynote speakers included Bishop Robert Deeley, former U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin and Frank Pease of the Maine Right to Life Committee. Frank is also a Knight in the St. Thomas Knights of Columbus Council #13861 in Sanford, Maine.

At 12:15 PM, the group then marched from St. Michael’s gym to the capitol, and holding hands, assembled around the capitol at 12:30 PM. The Capitol Bell was rung 46 times, representing the number of years since Roe v. Wade was enacted.