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February 23, 2023On Wednesday, Feb. 8, hundreds of pro-life supporters convened at the Oklahoma State Capitol to celebrate the annual Rose Day rally. The day had a celebratory feel, as it marked the first Rose Day since H.B. 4327 banned abortion in Oklahoma. It was also the first rally since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the landmark Dobbs case, which sent abortion decisions back into the hands of individual states.
The day began with the tradition of participants offering a rose to their respective lawmakers, including the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. In the past, this symbolic gesture was meant to encourage them to continue fighting to end abortion. This year, some participants said the rose was their way of thanking those who helped outlaw abortion.
In the rotunda, Mount Saint Mary High School freshmen carried roses intended for their respective legislators.
“I’m here to stand up for Catholic values and to show our lawmakers that we’re behind their decision and we support them,” student Emma Floyd said.
Ashley Bratcher, the lead actress of the 2019 movie, “Unplanned,” that highlighted the life of Abby Johnson, former clinic director of Planned Parenthood, turned pro-life activist, was this year’s keynote speaker.
Krystie Alexander, director of adoption services for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, said the day was “a time for everyone who is pro-life to come together and let [people] know how important this issue is to them and the State of Oklahoma.”
Alexander stressed that Catholic Charities continues to serve all people, including mothers and fathers looking for help and hope.
“We have many services from adoption, crisis pregnancy, case management, immigration, housing, help with utilities, and rent, to name a few. We are not just here to provide support for the baby, but for the family before and after placement or services,” she said.
Archbishop Paul Coakley gave the rally’s invocation and spoke about the potential pitfalls of complacency after the landmark Dobbs decision.
“I think Rose Day continues to be important because it is a real danger we could be lulled into the sense that everything is well with the Dobbs decision, and yet the struggle for life continues. To protect the lives of the unborn and all lives from conception to natural death it is important that we continue to bring this issue before the general population and be advocates for the dignity of every life. We are here because of many people who have gone before us that have persevered in that struggle without losing heart, becoming discouraged, putting their trust in the Lord but also by their advocacy and by their active participation in the voting process.”
Lawmakers called Rose Day one of the greatest days of the legislative session.
Wondering if they would see anyone at this year’s Rose Day, policymakers told the audience they were glad to see everyone in attendance – continuing to fight for the dignity of life.
“This is a beautiful day where we can celebrate in Oklahoma that we ended abortion. It took all the people in this room working together, showing up year after year after year. We have fought an excellent fight but have miles and miles to go,” said Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General.
Eliana Tedrow is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: Archbishop Coakley and representatives from Catholic Charities attended Rose Day on Feb. 8 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Photo Eliana Tedrow/Sooner Catholic.
