MASON COUNTY — Many West Virginia residents, including several locals from Mason County, will be attending the Pro-Life Rally on February 14, in Charleston.

According to Connie Gibbs of the Mason County chapter of “Right to Life,” several members will attend this rally, which they have also attended many times in the past. While at the rally, Gibbs reported that, in addition to participating in the processional through the Capitol building, they have tables set up where they give out information and have even sold snack in the previous years.

“We have a real good time,” Gibbs said.

According to a press release from West Virginians for Life, Inc., the Pro-life Rally is being held in order to support a bill that would outlaw abortions after an unborn baby is able to feel pain. Called the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (PCUCPA), this bill would establish legislative findings that unborn children feel pain by at least 20 weeks after fertilization. If passed, it will also stop abortions that are performed on babies older than 20 weeks after fertilization.

The rally will feature West Virginians for Life President, Wanda Franz, Ph.D., Professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at West Virginia University and Internal Fetal Medicine Specialist, Dr. Byron Calhoun, and WV Teens for Life President, Christina Deal. It will also feature musical group, Synergy, from Mount Hope, W.Va. Also in attendance will be several pro-life legislators, including bill sponsors. Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will also make a special appearance.

Prior to the start of the rally, participants will have the opportunity to meet with their legislators, explore the West Virginia Capitol Building and take in legislative proceedings from the House/Senate galleries. The rally will conclude with the annual cross prayer processional through the capitol in honor of the unborn lost to abortion.

In addition to attending this rally, the Mason County Chapter of “Right to Life” is very active in the community. Gibbs stated that the current chapter has been around since 1995. This includes a core group of people who normally attend the regular meetings and several other people who assist the group with whatever events the group might have in their future. Gibbs also reported the next project coming up will be the baby bottles for Mother’s Day. According to Gibbs, members distribute baby bottles to churches and other citizens one month in advance, and the baby bottles are then filled with spare pocket change, and given to mothers who are in need. Gibbs reported the group was able to raise more than $12,000 last year with this project.

For more information on the Pro-Life Rally, visit www.wvforlife.org.