Pro-life rally may draw hundreds

Organizers are hoping to attract up to 300 people to a pro-life rally to be held in northern Carson Valley on Saturday morning.

Nevada LIFE President Don Nelson said this is the first time the rally has been held in Carson Valley. It marks the the Jan. 22, 1973, Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that struck down laws restricting abortion.

"We've had an excellent event for years," Nelson said. "But people from Minden and Gardnerville had to travel to Reno to participate."

Nelson's not expecting a huge crowd at the 9 a.m. event held at Carson Valley Christian, but believes it will grow.

"We know it will be huge next time," he said. "We're hoping for 200-300 people, but we've got room to accommodate up to 700. We're not turning anyone away."

Nelson said he felt the church, located on Stephanie Way, is a central location for participants coming from Carson City and from Minden and Gardnerville.

The guest speaker is Pastor Wayne Hoag, who assisted with abortions when he was a Navy OB/Gyn working as an operating room technician.

"Pastor Haog is one of many former abortion providers and assistants who now refuse to participate in and openly oppose abortion," Nelson said.

Also speaking at the rally will be City of Refuge operator Diane Gamble

The rally is particularly important because of the incoming Obama administration and Nevada's constitutional amendment legalizing abortion, Nelson said.

However, Nelson said statistics showing the number of abortions has decreased by 30 percent since 1990.