Life Chain
The Life Chain is an anti-abortion social movement organization, one of the largest in the United States and Canada. It was started in 1987 in Yuba City and Marysville by a small California-based Pro-Life ministry called Please Let Me Live.[1] Every first Sunday of October, Life Chain invites various churches and congregations across the United States and Canada to stand on designated sidewalks to pray and rally for one hour.[2]
Backlash
In September 1991, Life Chain activists formed a demonstration in Manhattan, New York City during which 1,200 Pro-Life advocates formed a "vast, sparse human cross."[3] This relatively small number of "Pro-Lifers" was met with an opposing Pro-Choice demonstration, consisting of 4,000 pro-abortion marchers who rallied down the streets and "engulfed them in a roar of chants, shouts, and anger."[3] No injuries were reported and only three people were taken in to custody for disorderly conduct. After the streets settled down, both sides were quick to claim victory; the pro-abortion group, led by Rayna Baum, saw success in its superior numbers, while the Pro-Life group saw success in their being faithful in their service to God in the face of overwhelming opposition.[3]
References
- Phan, Katherine T. (2004-10-04). "Over 1,000 Cities Form National Life Chain". The Christian Post. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
- "National Life Chain". Retrieved 2009-11-09.
- McFadden, Robert D. (1991-09-30). "Rally by Foes of Abortion is Outjeered in Manhattan". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-11-09.