Bachmann's Back In The Spotlight At Anti-Abortion Rally
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Congresswoman Michele Bachmann stepped back into the political spotlight for the first time this weekend since she dropped out of the contest for the Republican presidential nomination.
Bachmann headlined an anti-abortion rally Sunday at the State Capitol. The crowd went wild when she approached the podium. Congressmen Chip Cravaack, Erik Paulsen and John Kline also attended the event.
To mark the 39th anniversary of the legalization of abortion, hundreds of Minnesotans rallied and marched in St. Paul. Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life organized the rally.
Keith Kostuch, who attended the rally, said the legality of abortion should be put in the hands of the people, not federal judges.
Speakers at the event called for the mandatory inspection of abortion centers. They also want to see an end to webcam abortions, or abortions done without a doctor physically present.
Ali Nicolai, a 12-year-old anti-abortion activist, said her biological mother was 16-years-old when she gave birth to her.
"I'm just lucky that she chose life – that's why I'm here today," she said.
No pro-choice activists attended the event, but Planned Parenthood gave this statement late Sunday night: "Planned Parenthood does more in one day to prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the need for abortion than the protesters at the Capitol today do in a lifetime."
Planned Parenthood also said that most Minnesotans support and recognize the need for family planning and Planned Parenthood as an organization.
"Ninety-five percent of what we do in Minnesota is life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, prevention and treatment of STIs, pap tests, breast health services, and health education," the organization said.
