By: Author: Tanvi Varma

AUSTIN, Texas — The leaked Supreme Court draft opinion showing a reversal of the right to abortion has people polarized.

The Texas Alliance for Life is an anti-abortion organization in Austin. Though the potential Supreme Court decision is in its favor, it’s not celebrating yet.

“I had to remind myself specifically that this is a draft, it’s an opinion; it’s not the final,” said Amy O’Donnell with the Texas Alliance for Life.

Meanwhile, they continue their advocacy.

“One of our top priorities right now, especially in light of what we’re seeing in the Supreme Court, is to educate women on the compassionate alternatives to abortion,” said O’Donnell.

By: Erica Proffer

“I was at the event where the governor made that statement and I knew he had to be talking about the entire world, where there are many millions of unintended pregnancies and many millions of abortions that occur,” Pojman said.

The Guttmacher Institute estimates 73 million abortions take place each year.

Northern Africa and Western Asia have the highest abortion rate, the data shows.

“Much of the U.S. follows what Texas does in terms of our lawmaking … We believe that many nations follow what the U.S. does. So, really, it is very relevant to talk about worldwide statistics,” Pojman said.

By: KVUE staff

Starting at 2 p.m., a livestream began from a stage within sight of the Capitol. Those continuing to caravan can listen to the event’s broadcast on The Bridge at 101.1 FM and 1120 AM.

A recorded message from Gov. Greg Abbott was shown and a special proclamation was read. Other notable speakers included State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), Bishop Joe Vasquez with the Catholic Diocese of Austin and Abby Johnson, a former clinic director for Planned Parenthood.

Participating organizations included the Texas Alliance for Life, Young Conservatives of Texas and dozens of others.

The Texas Handmaids, a pro-choice nonprofit organization, were counter-protesting the Texas Rally for Life on Saturday.

By: KVUE staff

AUSTIN, Texas — Thousands of demonstrators took part in Austin’s annual Texas Rally for Life on Saturday afternoon.

The anti-abortion rally kicked off around 1 p.m. at the intersection of 14th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard in Downtown Austin, with a march to the Capitol.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crowd size was between 5,000 and 6,000 people. Around 5,000 people attended the event last year.

By: Luis de Leon

Some pro-life advocates believe the money should be spent differently.

“There are some 23 wonderful agencies in the greater Austin area that help a woman who has a crisis pregnancy with alternatives to abortion, including adoption,” said Joe Pojman, executive director for Texas Alliance for Life. “We would like the council to consider spending money on compassionate alternatives to abortion.”

By: Molly Oak

AUSTIN – Officials said thousands of people showed up to the 2018 Texas Rally for Life on Saturday.

The rally commemorated the 45th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973, which legalized aborting throughout all nine months of pregnancy.

“It’s been 45 years since Roe v. Wade, and since then Texas has become the national leader in defending life,” said Governor Abbott. “As Governor, I will fight for every child to have a chance at life. I thank our legislative leaders who work to pass laws that protect life, and so many Texans who continue to give a voice to the voiceless and fortify the culture of life in this state.”

People came from all over Texas to show their commitment to protecting the rights of unborn children.

“I believe in justice for all people, and I think it’s a crime that innocent babies can be killed. We shouldn’t be killing people just because they’re smaller than us, just because they don’t have a voice,” said Brian McAeliffef.

Governor Abbott proclaimed Jan. 22 as Sanctity of Life Day in Texas.

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