By Hector Flores
‹ according to the New York State Department of Health.
The pro-lifers lined Hempstead Turnpike, from Clearmeadow Drive to Carman Avenue, holding anti abortion signs and photos of aborted fetuses, which were visible to oncoming traffic.
Cathy Testa of Massapequa, one of the protesters, said that her intention was to save lives. "Babies are God's gift to the world, and we have to save them," she said.
Tom Tittman of West Hempstead said that this was his first anti-abortion event, and called the practice murder. "The Bible says, 'Thou shalt not kill,'" Tittman said. "It's a commandment, not an option. These posters show what really happens in the womb of a mother with an abortion. People need to know that, and that is why these prayer vigils are so important."
Testa added that prospective mothers need to know that there are other options besides abortion. "There are places that provide emotional and financial assistance to mothers during their pregnancies," she said. "These places also provide assistance until they can get back on their feet."
Also voicing her pro-life stance was Florence Talluto of Centereach, who contended that life begins at the moment of conception. "It is wrong to kill babies," she said. "There have been 600 abortions done at this hospital with taxpayer money, and that is very wrong."
Catherine Malone of Salisbury echoed Talluto's sentiments, and said that every human being came from a womb, which should be the safest place. "I have seven children and 19 grandchildren," she said. "And we have to protect every child inside a womb."
Celeste Broyles of Levittown, treasurer of the Long Island Coalition for Life, explained that this was the second vigil the group had organized. "Last year we held our first vigil on Good Friday, and we hold another event in January to protest the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade," Broyles said. "The purpose of the vigil is to educate the public on what abortion really is and to save babies."
Broyles listed a number of organizations that offer women everything from pregnancy tests to adoption counseling. "Many women suffer emotional and physical problems because [abortion] is surgery, and it's the loss of their child," she said. "We are about love, and we want to support the mother and child. We want to help them move forward the best way possible."
NUMC representatives did not respond to a request for comments.
JoAnn Smith, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Nassau County, reacted to the rally by saying that everyone has the right to their own opinion, but no one has the right to force their opinion on others. "What people don't realize is that planned parenthood does more to prevent unintended pregnancy," Smith said. "We provide education, awareness and access to family planning care that includes testing and screening for cervical cancers and contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy."
For more information on the Long Island Coalition for Life and its referral list of services, call (631) 243-1435. For more on Planned Parenthood of Nassau County and its services, call (516) 750-2600.
Comments about this story? HFlores@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
