Anti-abortion group plans counter-protest for Planned Parenthood ‘Pink Out Day’ vigil
Anti-abortion activists are planning to crash the Planned Parenthood party in Concord tomorrow night as the group’s allies gather on the State House Plaza to express their support for the beleaguered organization.
The Planned Parenthood “Speak Out and Light Brigade” vigil is one of 245 events being held across the country for “National Pink Out Day,” a day of action that Planned Parenthood anticipates will bring out millions of supporters to rally in their defense.
The series of rallies are in response to efforts by opponents, who have accused Planned Parenthood of selling fetuses for profit, to end federal funding for the organization that provides reproductive health care for 2.7 million women, men and young people each year.
New Hampshire Right to Life president Jane Cormier has emailed anti-abortion activists in an attempt to organize a counter-protest. “NHRTL is trying to find some folks willing to silently march and pray outside the plaza during their rally,” she wrote. “We know 8:00 PM is late for some, but think it is especially important to stand up.”
“This is an opportunity,” Cormier explained. “NH Right to Life has signs and will meet at our office at 8 North Main St in Concord at 7:30 pm to organize, then we will walk over to the plaza.”
The “National Pink Out Day” rallies will take place as the U.S. House of Representatives begins hearings to investigate the allegations against Planned Parenthood. Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood president, is scheduled to testify tomorrow before the House Oversight Committee.
A recent national survey by Quinnipiac University found a majority of American voters (52 percent) oppose defunding Planned Parenthood and nearly 70 percent oppose shutting down the government to do so.
In addition to tomorrow night’s State House vigil in Concord, three student-led “National Pink Out Day” events will also take place at the University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College and Colby Sawyer College.