By Maggie Downs
The Cincinnati Enquirer

They came chanting Hail Marys and clasping gloved hands in prayer.At least 200 anti-abortion advocates participated in Saturday's 19th annual Pro-Life Procession and Rally, sponsored by the Cincinnati Pro-Life Committee and the Holy Name Society.

The effort was in protest of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, which 30 years ago Wednesday made abortion legal upon demand.

"I remember the day they made that decision, and I felt very sad for our country," said Ruth Frye, 65, of Withamsville. "It doesn't have as much to do with religion as it does with morals. Abortion is taking lives."

"Not to mention, it's against the Constitution," added her husband, Ron Frye, 67.

Children from Immaculate Conception Academy and Church in Norwood led the procession, which began 11 a.m. at Cincinnati City Hall and continued to Fountain Square.

"I'm here to stop abortion so America can be a better country," said Joe Cole, 14, of Liberty Township, who carried the incense.

"Abortion kills babies, and killing is murder," added torch-bearer Robert Boylson, 11, of Bridgetown.

Many participants held rosaries or signs, like "Stop Terrorism in the Womb," which depicted a fetus in front of the fiery World Trade Center towers, and "Women Deserve Better than Abortion."

"I'm here to pray abortion won't stand in our country," said Steve Wittman, 23, of Norwood. "And I'm here not only to pray for the aborted babies, but also for the women who have had abortions."

Cinny Roy, 45, director of HEART Inc., a local nonprofit organization that helps women recover from abortions, also participated. Ms. Roy said she had an abortion 20 years ago, followed by years of emotional and mental pain, which she discussed during the rally.

"No one can tell me it doesn't harm women. Women never forget," she said. "In my own experience, I felt distanced from God. Kind of hardened. I failed myself."

Other speakers included Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich and state Rep. Thomas Brinkman, R-Mount Lookout..

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com