Forget harsh words and gory images—the pro-life movement has a peaceful new persona. As part of the “40 days for life” campaign legions of anti-abortion protesters from around the country are holding a vigil outside a Bronx women’s clinic. Bearing rosaries and signs, that read “Abortion Stops a Beating Heart,” they arrived at Dr. Emily Women’s Health Center February 17, and have returned eight hours per day, every day since, reports the News. They’re expected to stay put until closing next Sunday. "We offer them prayer, literature, roses and chocolates," said Chris Slattery, president of Christian-based Expectant Mother Care Frontline Pregnancy Centers. He calls the Bronx “the abortion capitol of America."
Yesterday they were joined by pro-choice advocates who ushered women past their signs and prayers. Most interactions between the two groups were non-confrontational with both sides plainly stating their arguments. "Abortion is not going to go away in 40 days. It's been around for 4,000 years," said Heahther Ault, the leader of the opposition group. Still despite the civility their are traces of the pro-life movement's old energy and gusto on the 40 days For Life web site: it boasts of “the largest spring campaign yet!” with efforts in 167 U.S. cities and refers to clinics like Dr. Emily as "abortion mills." The group’s other NYC target is what it calls “abortion row” in Queens.
