MOSES LAKE — Hundreds of people recently joined the Moses Lake Knights of Columbus Council 4367 for an anti-abortion march on Stratford Road.

The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic service organization, promotes the annual march, but the help and support they receive from different churches throughout the Basin make it more of a community event, said Knights Pro-Life Chairman Mark Krcma.

Krcma said the turnout was a slight improvement from last year. "We had 200 people and three dogs. People turn out — even when there's been inclement weather. They support the cause. They want to come out and speak out against something so wrong."

Among those marching was Mark Jones, from Selah. Jones was wearing a “40 Days for Life” sweatshirt and explained that it's a movement in which people pray and fast for 40 days and nights — once in the spring, once in the fall — outside of abortion clinics. Jones said they're always peaceful and talk to the girls on their way into the clinics. He said they support the Crossroads Pregnancy Center and similar centers that rely solely on donations to offer free pregnancy tests, and other confidential services to young women.

Jones was accompanied by Tammy Lusk, of Wenatchee, who said they came to raise awareness about plans to open more Planned Parenthood centers in Washington.

"It's not needed here. We have plenty of health services for women in the community," added Krcma.

Krcma said the Knights schedule the march in late January every year to commemorate the Roe v. Wade decision.

On Jan. 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court made abortion legal under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Henry Wade was the Dallas County district attorney who enforced a Texas law that prohibited abortion, except to save a woman's life. The case had been filed by Norma McCorvey, also known as Jane Roe.

The Crossroads Pregnancy Center offers free pregnancy tests, emotional support, diapers, adoption referrals and other guidance. The center is located at 1555 S. Pilgrim Rd. in Moses Lake and can be reached at 509-765-4425.