For both groups, Saturday's turnout showed just how active the abortion issue is, even after 39 years.
MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) -- 39 years ago, the Supreme Court ruled abortion legal in the United States. After all that time, the issue is still a hot topic in communities like Muskegon.
"Life is precious, and we are always going to be here standing up for the unborn children in the womb," said Chuck Loss, with Right to Life Muskegon.
Saturday afternoon, a group of pro-life supporters gathered at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and marched down Apple Avenue to the Women's Medical Services Building. Signs protesting abortion were raised, and a prayer was said for the building's employees. The group then returned to the church for further prayer and discussion.
"I can say it's one of the best turnouts we've ever had," remarked Loss.
Across town, members of Harbor Unitarian Universalist Church held their own gathering on the eve of the Roe vs. Wade anniversary.
"It's a much broader human rights issue than just abortion," said Faith Groesbeck, president of the Muskegon/Ottawa County chapter of the National Organization for Women.
Following a prayer breakfast and rally at Hackley Park, the group discussed women's equality and sexual health.
"The commemoration of Roe vs. Wade is so much more than pro-choice. We're supporting reproductive justice and sexual freedom," added Groesbeck.
"[Pro-choice supporters are] allowed to do whatever they want to," said Loss. "We believe that life is precious obviously, and they think they should have the choice to end that life."
"It's not a time to argue, or debate, or challenge people on the issues. We accept that we don't all agree on this, we accept the issues around women's health are very private issues," said Poppy Sias Hernandez of Harbor Unitarian Universalist Church.
Hernandez added, "We feel as a faith based congregation that it's our role to speak for and on behalf of women, in terms of what they should have access to for reproductive health. It's a basic human need, and so that's why we come together every year."
For both groups, Saturday's turnout showed just how important the abortion issue is, even after 39 years.
"I'm really proud of all of these people that are out here today, and we're going to be here until abortion ends," said Loss.
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