A day for choice in Seattle

SEATTLE--Abortion rights activists came together to challenge the right wing's "40 Days for Life" event and demonstrate in support of Planned Parenthood.

An annual event held to coincide with Lent, 40 Days for Life-Seattle describes itself as "a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God's power...to end abortion in America."

Sponsored by Seattle Clinic Defense, the One Day for Choice Vigil was a chance for community members to stand up for abortion rights and the comprehensive reproductive services that Planned Parenthood provides. "We're here to support bully-free health care for all women," said Seattle Clinic Defense member Jessi Murray.

Hundreds of cars honked their support in response to multiple "Honk for Choice" signs, while abortion rights activists outnumbered anti-choicer protesters by 50 percent.

Passersby were excited to see a challenge to the presence of the right. Planned Parenthood staff, encouraged by the news that the honks were in support of their work, reported that several drivers phoned in donations after seeing a strong pro-choice presence.

With more than 350 pieces of anti-choice legislation proposed in state legislatures across the country this year, abortion rights and access are under increasingly sharp attack. In response to this hostile climate, Seattle Clinic Defense was formed following February's Walk for Choice.

In addition to work defending clinics, the group aims to picket limited-services pregnancy centers (also referred to as "crisis pregnancy centers"). A bill to regulate these centers failed in Washington state, but activists intend to continue to expose the bullying and manipulative tactics of these centers.

For more information on limited-services pregnancy centers, check out Crisis Pregnancy Center Watch.