Nellie Gray, who died this week at age 88, led the March for Life in Washington each January 22 for more than three decades. She was a stalwart, who left another career to dedicate herself to the unborn. No one knows how many women were persuaded by her voice and actions not to have an abortion. Every year, rain, snow or clear weather, Nellie Gray led the march. Sometimes there were hundreds of thousands and sometimes there were far fewer, but she came anyway.
That sort of dedication is rare these days. Thirty-nine years after Roe v. Wade and the marches began the following year, some might consider her efforts futile. But that's what some said about slavery and civil rights. The power of someone completely dedicated to a cause can have great influence. Look at how the gay rights crowd has worn down resistance. The pro-life cause has a powerful moral base and younger people are more pro-life than ever.
If Roe v. Wade is ever overturned and respect for human life is restored, much of the credit will go to Nellie Gray.
I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.
Publication date: August 17, 2012
