Marchers: 'Life is beautiful'

COEUR d’ALENE — Jane Gootherts delivered a simple message Saturday with a smile and wave: “Choose Life.”

“There’s a community of people here who want to help women who are in a crisis pregnancy,” Gootherts said, as she stood near U.S. 95 on a cold and gray morning.

Beth Franz was another who came out for Right to Life of Coeur d'Alene’s march and rally.

“I think that protecting life is always important, from conception to natural death,” she said. 

About 400 men, women and children took part in the 45th annual event, with the theme, “With Every Woman, For Every Child.”

They heard from speakers in the parking lot near Candlelight Christian Fellowship and then crossed U.S. 95 and walked to Kathleen Avenue and back before turning back in 30-degree conditions.

Many carried signs that read “Love Life,” "Life is the First Inalienable Right,” “God is Pro-Life,” and "Pray to End Abortion.” Some drivers honked and waved in support.

Dr. Richard Hawk, executive director at Open Arms Pregnancy Care Center and Real Choices Clinic, addressed the crowd.

“In this post-Roe season, there’s a necessity not only to change the laws but to change the hearts and minds of our citizens and to speak truth into a culture of confusion,” he said.

Barbara Neely of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church spoke about euthanasia.

“The unborn baby at the time of conception has value,” she said. “Therefore no human being has the authority to take the life of any innocent person.”

John Struzik of Coeur d’Alene agreed.

“Life is created by God. Keeping a life on Earth is still up to God," he said. "It’s not a human choice.”

Struzik said adoption is an alternative to abortion.

“Ending a life is not an option,” he said. 

Neil Bloom of Hayden used a walking stick as he made his way along the path next to U.S. 95. 

He said it was important to support life and “fight for those that have no voice in the womb.”

Friends Sue Bockelman and Mary Walliser walked side-by-side at the rally.

“I’ve been involved for years, praising God for the change in the laws and praying for each individual mother that she’ll choose life," Bockelman said.

“I'm here because I love God,” Walliser said. 

Theresa Lester said she had her own crisis pregnancies but fought to keep her babies.

“And I did. Praise God," she said.

Lester said she has helped women in that same situation.

“They need that support. They need the help. I needed the help and got it and I want to be there for others," she said.

Lester said women can face pressure to get an abortion.

“I’m here to witness to the truth of Jesus Christ who says, ‘I am the way and the truth and life.' Life is beautiful,” Lester said.

Hawk recited several reasons outlining why they continue to march each year.

“It’s always right to fight and to try to right a wrong and it’s always wrong to stay silent when the rights of others are being trampled."

“We rally to call attention to the injustices of the last half-century and put those who champion the unfettered killing of babies on the defensive.”

“We march today to show the world there is a better way, to remind the world that every child is wanted and every child will someday mean the world to somebody.”

“We march to make a difference and proclaim that life is better than death.”

    Jane Gootherts holds a sign and waves to drivers on U.S. 95 during Saturday's Right to Life of Coeur d'Alene’s march and rally.
  

Friends Sue Bockelman and Mary Walliser lead some of those who came out for the Right to Life Coeur d'Alene march Saturday next to U.S. 95.

    A boy looks down as he holds a sign before Saturday's pro-life rally in Coeur d'Alene.
  

    Pro-lifers hold signs as they cross U.S. 95 on Saturday.
  

    Women walk next to U.S. 95 on Saturday as part of a pro-life rally.