AUGUSTA — Abortion opponents gathered Saturday to protest the U.S. Supreme Court decision that created a constitutional right to abortions.

People gathered hand-in-hand during the Maine Right to Life’s “Hands Around the Capitol Memorial” in recognition of the 41st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortions.

Teresa McCann-Tumidajski, executive director of Maine Right to Life, said the number of abortions is declining in America, but she says there are still more abortions than deaths by cancer and heart disease each year.

“This is the largest pro-life gathering in the state of Maine. We will not rest until each precious baby is protected from the horror of abortion. We must give a voice to those children whose voices have been snubbed out by abortion,” she said before the event.

Gov. Paul LePage joined the group before a march to the State House.

During the event, participants rang the Capitol bell 41 times and placed 41 roses at the base of the bell, representing the number of years since the supreme court ruling.

Pro-Life leaders and organizations participated in two church services before gathering for the march to the State House. But even though Protestant and Roman Catholic services were part of the event, people of all faiths were welcomed to join, McCann-Tumidajski said.


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