Memorial service draws hundreds to pray for babies lost to abortion
SALT LAKE CITY — Since Roe v. Wade was overturned last June, abortion has taken the lives of approximately 1,746 babies in Utah because a lawsuit had prevented implementation of a state law banning most abortions.
To acknowledge this, Pro Life Utah, in conjunction with other civil and religious organizations, organized a Memorial Service for the Preborn in Utah.
The event was held Jan. 25. Many Catholics attended as part of this month’s Respect for Life activities that are sponsored by the Diocese of Salt Lake City Office of Marriage and Family Life.
The memorial service, which took place at the Utah State Capitol and drew hundreds of people, began with the sound of a fetal heartbeat played in speakers and a moment of silence. In addition, a small white casket was displayed, and a black hearse as parked.
“The loss of any baby through abortion is tragic, but I think the loss of these babies hits us just a little bit harder knowing that they came so close to being spared this horror,” said Mary Taylor, president of Pro-Life Utah, who also shared her personal story of abortion.
"I ignorantly believed it was my body, my choice, never considering his body, and his choice,” she said, adding, “I've cried countless tears for my child and the millions of others who have met the same fate. I've worked countless hours desperately trying to right that wrong. When Roe v. Wade was overturned in June, this was a personal victory for me and, for just a moment, I thought that my work might be finished. But that satisfaction did not last long.”
Father Samuel Dinsdale, pastor of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish and spiritual director for the diocesan Respect for Life Commission, offered the closing prayer on behalf of Bishop Oscar A. Solis, who was unavailable.
In years past, the event included a March for Life, but this year those attending processed instead to the Memorial for the Unborn at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, where young and old, women, men, children – all placed white carnation placed flowers on the monument.
Members of the Utah Knights of Columbus from Assembly 2577 at St. John the Baptist Parish offered an honor guard at the service and at the cemetery.
“It has been an incredible honor for us, part of it is our duty but it is also something heartrending to hear what’s happening to babies in Utah there is no reason for this,” said Tom Odle, one of honor guard members.
“I have never been able to understand abortion,” he added, and went on to say, “We were so excited when Roe was overturned and depressed three days later [when the injunction was put in place]. … But we have to continue fighting.”
Also among those participating in the service were Peter and C.J. Stokes, Judge Memorial Catholic High School students.
“To be able to participate and stand up for the right to life is something very special,” Peter Stokes said.
“It’s awesome to show the appreciation for life and creating a culture of life and respect for life,” C.J. Stokes added. “I am super happy that we are able to cultivate this culture and kind of counter all that it has been happening.”
For both students, the fact that youth in Utah stand up and show how life is important from conception to natural death is crucial.
“The issue of protecting life is important because it impacts everyone, no matter where you are, and so you have to care; you have to go out there and represent the youth,” C.J. Stokes said.
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