|
|
|
Dozens of anti-abortion activists lined Randall Road at busy intersections in the Tri-Cities Friday to get their message across in a shocking way.
The groups displayed large posters showing pictures of aborted babies.
“When people see what abortion looks like, they can’t forget it,” said Eric Schiedler, director of Pro-Life Action League, which organized the rally. “We know that these signs upset people, but abortion should upset people.”
Schiedler said he realizes not everyone might agree with their tactics.
“People think we’re freaks,” he said.
But he said their goal is to open a discussion, and everyone who sees the signs will talk about them.
“That’s a big part of why we do this,” Schiedler said.
He said the group is against all abortion, even in cases of incest and rape.
“No unborn child deserves to die for his father’s crimes,” Schiedler said.
Geneva School Board member Leslie Juby, a Democratic candidate for the 25th District state Senate seat, said she believes a woman should always have a choice in the issue.
“I believe it’s a woman’s decision between her and her doctor,” Juby said. “It should be rare, and it should be legal.”
Jean Peterman, president of West Suburban National Organization for Women echoed that sentiment.
“Being able to decide whether and when to have a child is a basic human right,” Peterman said. “Women can be trusted to make these personal decisions without government interference.”
According the U.S. Census Bureau, the rate of abortions in Illinois decreased from more than 23 percent in 2000 to less than 19 percent in 2005, which reflects a nationwide trend. But Schiedler said he believes there still are far too many taking place. In 2005, nearly 51,000 abortions occurred in Illinois.
“It’s not rare; it’s commonplace,” Schiedler said.
Both Schiedler and Juby agree more education is needed.
“I think if we concentrate on education and prevention, it will become more rare,” Juby said. “Concentration on prevention programs are, probably, a better way to go. ... I don’t think anybody believes abortion is a good thing.”
Pro-Life Action League volunteer Sylvia Keppel of Batavia believes the graphic signs are part of the education.
“It’s very important from an educational perspective,” Keppel said.
Schiedler’s father, Joe Schiedler, believes anti-abortion rallies do have an effect. He’s been an activist since 1973.
“Every year, we get less opposition,” Joe Schiedler said. “People used to throw stuff at us. But I see a change coming.”
Dozens of anti-abortion activists lined Randall Road at busy intersections in the Tri-Cities Friday to get their message across in a shocking way.
The groups displayed large posters showing pictures of aborted babies.
“When people see what abortion looks like, they can’t forget it,” said Eric Schiedler, director of Pro-Life Action League, which organized the rally. “We know that these signs upset people, but abortion should upset people.”
Schiedler said he realizes not everyone might agree with their tactics.
“People think we’re freaks,” he said.
But he said their goal is to open a discussion, and everyone who sees the signs will talk about them.
“That’s a big part of why we do this,” Schiedler said.
He said the group is against all abortion, even in cases of incest and rape.
“No unborn child deserves to die for his father’s crimes,” Schiedler said.
Geneva School Board member Leslie Juby, a Democratic candidate for the 25th District state Senate seat, said she believes a woman should always have a choice in the issue.
“I believe it’s a woman’s decision between her and her doctor,” Juby said. “It should be rare, and it should be legal.”
Jean Peterman, president of West Suburban National Organization for Women echoed that sentiment.
“Being able to decide whether and when to have a child is a basic human right,” Peterman said. “Women can be trusted to make these personal decisions without government interference.”
According the U.S. Census Bureau, the rate of abortions in Illinois decreased from more than 23 percent in 2000 to less than 19 percent in 2005, which reflects a nationwide trend. But Schiedler said he believes there still are far too many taking place. In 2005, nearly 51,000 abortions occurred in Illinois.
“It’s not rare; it’s commonplace,” Schiedler said.
Both Schiedler and Juby agree more education is needed.
“I think if we concentrate on education and prevention, it will become more rare,” Juby said. “Concentration on prevention programs are, probably, a better way to go. ... I don’t think anybody believes abortion is a good thing.”
Pro-Life Action League volunteer Sylvia Keppel of Batavia believes the graphic signs are part of the education.
“It’s very important from an educational perspective,” Keppel said.
Schiedler’s father, Joe Schiedler, believes anti-abortion rallies do have an effect. He’s been an activist since 1973.
“Every year, we get less opposition,” Joe Schiedler said. “People used to throw stuff at us. But I see a change coming.”
