ROMANIA – The ninth national edition of the March for Life in Romania had the theme “Unique from Day One”. Thousands of people met to march for the right to life of the unborn, but it also was a show of support for women in pregnancy crisis.
“Every Romanian is unique from day one. From the moment they’re in their mother’s womb, every Romanian has the right to life, because life is a gift from God.” — Naomi Terec, ‘Pro Vita’ Foundation, Program Director, Cluj-Napoca city
Statistics show that in Romania, throughout the last 6 decades, over 23 million abortions were recorded.
“Realistically speaking, in Romania, from 1958 onward, over 23 million abortions were performed, and this number doesn’t include abortions performed in private clinics, drug-induced abortions, and abortions made by Romanians gone abroad.” — Alexandra Nadane, ‘Romania pentru viata’, President
March for Life organizers wanted to make the public opinion aware of the severity of abortion and the need to protect natural family.
In Romania, the termination of pregnancy is an old problem. During the communist era, although forbidden, between 180 and 400 thousands abortions were performed each year.
“During those times, having a second child was terribly difficult. The drama a Romanian woman had to face in those days’ society was particularly tough. Almost no family wanted to have a second child too soon due to the many shortages and great hardships.” — Catalin Ivan, Europarliamentarian
Pro-life activities initiated by the civil society have increasing impact on the public opinion.
“When my wife was in the hospital and I came to visit, I realized there are some in the I.C.U fighting for their life, while in the next room or somewhere near, there are women throwing their babies in the trash can. ” — Beniamin Petric, Voiteg
“We believe life is everyone’s first basic right, whether one is born or unborn.” — Gheorghe Ioan Szenezy, Resita city
Abortion’s consequences reach beyond women and families involved in it: it also carries spiritual implications for nations.
“Our nation is spiritually ill. God tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14: ‘If my people, who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face (…) then I will hear from heaven (…) and will heal their land’.” — Ghita Alecsei, co-organizer, ’40 Days for Life’, Timisoara city
To read more news on abortion on Missions Box, go here.
