Local activists attend anti-abortion march

Jan. 20--Three area residents who joined the March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Friday said they were energized by the crowds, the atmosphere and being among like-minded anti-abortion activists.

Patrick Sweeney, 16, of Schoharie, said he also was encouraged by remarks from President Donald Trump, who addressed marchers in a broadcast from the White House Rose Garden.

"I was certainly glad he supported the pro-life movement and the March for Life, specifically," said Sweeney during a telephone interview Friday afternoon. "It gave me optimism for the future and a positive feeling for his administration."

Sweeney was among about 35 area residents who took a bus from Oneonta on Thursday to be in Washington for activities and the march Friday, said Jean Naples of Oneonta. While waiting to board the bus for the return trip, Naples shared some impression of the activities and march along Constitution Avenue.

"It's an exciting crowd to be with," she said. "You get swept up in this fast-moving stream -- people were singing, people were clapping."

About 30 teenagers were on the trip, according to Naples, who said the it also provided an opportunity to teach them background about Roe v. Wade and the U.S. Supreme Court decision. She said being with the supporters of the anti-abortion movement, and seeing young people involved, was encouraging.

"It was an enthusiastic crowd," Naples said. "It gives me hope."

In his address, the Republican president said he's committed to building "a society where life is celebrated, protected and cherished." He delivered new support to the anti-abortion movement he once opposed, telling thousands of activists, "We are with you all the way," according to an Associated Press report.

Since taking office about a year ago, Trump has delivered on rules and policies he promised to help curb abortion rights legalized 45 years ago. Chief among them is the confirmation of conservative Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

On Friday, Trump's administration announced more actions in line with demands from social and religious conservatives, according to the AP. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spelled out plans to protect medical providers who refuse to perform procedures such as abortions based on of moral or religious reasons.

HHS also pulled back an Obama-era policy that posed a legal roadblock to conservative states trying to cut Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood, the AP said. The HHS action follows a failed effort last year by congressional Republicans to defund Planned Parenthood.

Sweeney said he welcomed those steps by the Trump administration announced Friday. Being involved in politics, including participating in marches, is important as a route toward change, he said.

"The fight isn't going to be won in a single day," he said.

Tara Gielskie, 17, of Delhi, said having a president address the group directly was important because media coverage of the movement and issues is lacking. Being at the march, she said, was "wonderful."

"It feels like we're a community -- all the pro-lifers," she said. "It's really great to build up the fire for the movement."

Denise Richardson, staff writer, may be reached at (607) 441-7213 or at drichardson@thedailystar.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DS_DeniseR

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