Group holds silent pro-life demonstration in Cortland

Carolann Darling, of Groton, holds a sign as part of a silent protest for the pro-life movement Sunday afternoon in the city of Cortland (Photo: Cortland Voice).

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Dozens of people held signs that read "Abortion Kills Children," and "Love Will End Abortion," during the late afternoon hours Sunday on Clinton Avenue.

The event was one of more than 1,500 held nationwide on the first Sunday of October in support of The Life Chain, one of the largest pro-life social movement organizations in the United States.

The silent protest organized by Cortland County Citizens For Life coincided with the Great Cortland Pumpkinfest in such a way that parents and children who decided to take a hay ride around downtown would see the protesters lined up on Clinton Avenue and Main Street.

"I think there's got to be some conversation between the children and their parents," said CarolAnn Darling, of Groton, one of the rally's main organizers.

Demonstrators hold signs along Clinton Avenue.

Darling emphasized that the rally was inclusive to anyone who was in support of the pro-life movement, including those who don't side with the Christian faith.

"There are Christians and non-Christians here," Darling said. "There are just pro-life people."

Throughout the hour, Darling said she heard mostly favorable reactions from passersby. Darling said Cortland County Citizens For Life has held the demonstration for at least 25 years.