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Pro-lifers protest at Weldon's office, Phila. clinic during cross-country trek
By Dan Russo, STAFF WRITER
07/21/2005
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UPPER DARBY - A group of pro-life college students from across the United States and Mexico stopped in Drexel Hill this week as they continued a two month cross-country walk that began in Maine and is slated to end in Washington, D.C. July 31.

Their journey, called the "Crusade for Life," aims to raise awareness about abortion issues, with the ultimate goal of making the practice completely illegal.

"We take mostly state routes like Route 1 and Route 3," said Patrick Yungwirth of Maryland, as he and 12 others attended a barbecue Sunday night at the home of their local host, Drexel Hill resident Diane Eichler.

"The main reason for their walk is in defense of the Catholic faith," said Kathy Koll, president of the Delaware County Pro-life Coalition.

The Haverford Township based group is backing the second annual trip in conjunction with the American Life League, a national organization.

"They say to politicians, you can't be Catholic and pro-abortion," said Koll.

On the road, the young students wear red shirts with the Lion of Judah on the front and a slogan saying you can't be catholic and pro-abortion on the back.

"[The lion] is a symbol of the defense of the Catholic church," said Yungwirth.

Walking sometimes eight to 10 hours a day, the group encounters all types of people, some offering support, and some ignoring them, and some engaging in fierce debate.

"I think a lot of times if they're brave enough to debate you, they're more open," said Corinne Mannella of Florida.

On Friday, the students held a demonstration in front of Congressman Curt Weldon's (R-7) Upper Darby Office to persuade him to back House Bill 552.

Also known as the Right to Life Act 2005, the proposed law would make abortion illegal across the board. Weldon, who supports the pro-life position has not signed onto the bill along with its 43 other co-sponsors, according to Eichler.

She said the group met with some of his office staff, but did not meet him personally.

On Monday, Weldon said he maintains his pro-life position, but didn't get involved with the bill because it is one of many on the topic whose chances of passing are slim.

"My pro-life record stands on its own," he said. "I support their effort and their position. There are 5,000 bills that come in front congress every year."

The students also walked through Temple University, and prayed for several hours in front of a Philadelphia Planned Parenthood facility where abortions are conducted.

It was so spiritually draining," said Yungwirth. "Being there was a very visual image of the statistics."

Southeastern Pennsylvania Planned Parenthood President Dale Steinberg said she is skeptical of the group's support of the proposed legislation.

"This legislation is silly," Steinberg. "It's not strategic since it's so absurd."

Steinberg said her group offers a range of birth control measures, aside from abortion, and she said the crusaders view-point is impractical.

"The reality is there are unwanted pregnancies," Steinberg said. "There will continue to be unwanted pregnancies in the future. The majority of Americans feel abortion should remain legal. Our aim is to reduce the need for abortions."

When confronted with this perspective, the students remain steadfast in their position of total prohibition. Traveling with David Arellano and Lucia Banos, both students from Mexico City, the mostly American group has also gotten a cross-cultural perspective on abortion.

"[In Mexico], it's a big issue, but it's not as big as here," said Banos. "In Mexico, abortion is only available in some cases [such as rape]."

With the debate for nominees to Sandra Day O'Connor's vacant Supreme Court seat heating up, the students are heading to Washington at a time when the landmark abortion decision Roe v. Wade is likely to be a hot topic.

Coming through this region, the group had just reached about 1,000 miles. Although fatigue is taking a toll, they pledge to keep going.

"The thing that amazed me was to see their will and their courage," said Arellano of his traveling companions.


©News of Delaware County 2009


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