ST. PAUL — A passionate crowd of Minnesotans descended on the State Capitol today to urge lawmakers to let women see their ultrasound. Severe weather drove the rally into the Rotunda for the largest annual event at the Capitol. The Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) March for Life commemorates the millions of lives lost to abortion. The 45th annual MCCL March for Life marks the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Jan. 22, 1973, Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions that have resulted in the deaths of more than 625,000 unborn Minnesota children (Minnesota Department of Health), and more than 60 million unborn babies nationwide. MCCL's 2018 legislative agenda calls for legislation allowing women to view their ultrasound when one is performed. Most abortion facilities perform ultrasound prior to an abortion to determine the size and location of the unborn child, but they usually do not offer women the chance to see their sonogram. Under the proposal, women would be offered the chance to see their sonogram whenever one is performed. "I was 10 weeks along and was never shown the ultrasound of my baby," said Carla Stream of Silent No More, a post-abortive ministry. Stream gave the main address. "I know I would have rejected abortion had I been allowed to see my child. … Let women see their babies!"
Many of Minnesota's state legislators were in attendance and were introduced during the brief program in the Rotunda. Legislative leaders addressed today's crowd and pledged their support for pro-life efforts. "I will continue my commitment to make Minnesota safer for unborn children and for every single person who lives here," said Lieutenant Governor and Senate President Michelle Fischbach. "By God's grace, let's work together … and once again unborn human life will be protected," declared Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka. "Minnesota is a pro-life state," Speaker of the Minnesota House Kurt Daudt stated. "We must be the voice for vulnerable lives when others refuse to be." Minnesota's pro-life congressional delegation sent written greetings to the March. "Much has been accomplished this past year, but there is still much work to be done," Rep. Jason Lewis wrote. "We must continue to stand and fight for the most vulnerable in our society." "While Roe v. Wade will forever remain a stain in our nation’s history, we have many reasons to be optimistic," said Rep. Erik Paulsen. "Thank you for commemorating the millions of lives tragically lost to abortion and for giving a voice to the unborn." Rep. Tom Emmer wrote, "Thank you for your work and dedication to be a voice for the unborn. … I will always defend the right to life—with my actions, my words and my vote in Congress." "You have my gratitude for your efforts in defense of human life," said Rep. Collin Peterson, who is often the only U.S. House Democrat who votes for pro-life legislation. "I look forward to continuing this important fight with you in the New Year." View photos of today's MCCL March for Life and from past marches on the MCCL website.