MORGANTOWN — For 33 years, the West Virginians for Life chapter in Monongalia County has held its annual Mother’s Day Walk-For-Life. The group assembled for the trek April 28, at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Star City.
Though Mother’s Day is a few weeks away, Chapter President Dr. Wanda Franz said they like to have the walk a little early so WVU students can participate in the long-standing tradition. She was also happy to see all the children who had come with their parents.
“Families are always welcome, we are delighted to have them,” she said.
Every year, the group of around 50 — turnout depends on the weather — walks to the Coliseum and back, which totals around 3.4 miles. After the walk, Franz said they will have a small rally and present prizes for those who raised the most money. They also invited candidates to speak.
West Virginians for life is a nonprofit educational organization, but it also has a political action committee. Franz said they work to support a culture of human life from conception to natural death. They take special interest in things like abortion and euthanasia.
Abortion has been a subject of controversy for quite some time, and Franz believes it’s an issue that people should know about.
“It’s a very important issue, it is the social justice issue of this century,” she said.
Right now, she said, West Virginians For Life are particularly concerned about Amendment 1, which would defund abortion through the government. Franz said West Virginia pays for abortions under Medicaid, and through the years, has paid $10 million for about 35,000 abortions. She said she is eager for the opportunity for it to be on the ballot.
“They need to know about it, that there is an amendment number 1 on the ballot this year and it will be to stop state funding of abortion,” she said.
According to Franz, the state is also facing an aging population without enough children to help fund social service programs, throwing off the population pyramid. Through education and services, West Virginians For Life provides information about abortion, alternatives to abortion, euthanasia and other related issues.
The next big event West Virginians for Life will host is the 6th Annual Golf FORE Life Tournament at Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa, in Morgantown.
