Abortion foes line Woodward as part of the annual nationwide event

Morris Richardson III / The Detroit News Mareen MacLean of Bloomfield Hills sits on the shoulders of her dad, Dan, during Sunday's "Life Chain" on Woodward from Five Mile to 12 Mile.

By Lama Bakri / The Detroit News

    ROYAL OAK -- More than 1,000 pro-life activists lined Woodward on Sunday afternoon to form Metro Detroit's largest "Life Chain."
    Men, women and children from more than 160 southeastern Michigan churches and organizations stood along roadsides from Five Mile to 12 Mile holding signs that read "Abortion kills children," "Adoption, the loving option" and "Abortion hurts women."
    "This is not a march, a rally or a political event," said Diane Trombley, spokeswoman for Right to Life-Lifespan. "It is a peaceful, prayerful, visual statement of unity that abortion is wrong."
    In more than 700 cities and towns across the United States, supporters of the ninth annual event built life chains on local sidewalks.
    "Today gives people who share the same desires and beliefs an opportunity to express themselves," Trombley said. "Nothing brings these people here other than the belief that abortion kills life."
    Most passers-by supported the group's efforts by honking horns and giving a thumbs-up gesture. A few, however, yelled obscenities and insults, including, "get a life."
    Gino Vitale, a participant from Macomb Township, said "society is going nuts" with the issue of choice.
    "When the government finds out you killed your son or daughter, they throw you in jail for murder," said Vitale, 57. "Why don't they throw you in jail when you kill your baby in the womb. Isn't it still a human being?"
    Trombley said Right to Life-Lifespan is different than other pro-life groups.
    "We do not do things that give pro-life organizations a black eye," Trombley said. "We want to stop the violence in abortion clinics, not make violence outside."
    Some activists were there with their families. Jennifer Dzialowski wanted her four children, ages 5 months to 6 years, to be part of the visual statement.
    "I want people to see my kids and to see what gift I've been given," said Dzialowski, 31, a registered nurse from Berkley. "I work with babies and I see life. It is very precious."