Anti-abortion rally draws Hoosiers - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Tom Walker/Washington Bureau Chief

Washington D.C., Jan., 23 - Four busloads of Catholic students from Indianapolis wore black sweatshirts displaying the number 33, the number of years since the Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion.

Andrew Day's reason for making the trip was partly because his mother is a doctor. "This is the first part of medical society that's kind of wrong because by aborting a baby, I mean, you could possibly be aborting a child that could grow up and find a cure for cancer and save millions."

The students were among many who went to show the strength of their movement.

The President, speaking to them by phone, listed the ways his White House is trying to steer women away from abortion. "We're sending a clear message to any woman facing a crisis pregnancy, we love your child and we're here to help you."

This rally draws thousands every year. But this time, with the changing face of the Supreme Court, there is more of a feeling of anticipation on both sides of the debate, mostly because of the possibility that Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito would be a key vote against abortion. Abortion right advocates are concerned that he has not acknowledged Roe v. Wade is settled law.

Senator Charles Schumer (D - New York) says, "There is no question that many are disappointed with the answers that Samuel Alito gave."

But activists from Indiana found hope for their cause in the number of young people at the march.

Jonathan Meyer is a Catholic priest. "Possibly even within the next few years, we're going to see us coming to Washington D.C. not to protest, but to rejoice that this law has been overturned."

And this is another show of political force at a time they believe decision making in Washington is moving in their direction.

Tuesday the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to approve Judge Alito's appointment to the Supreme Court.