Thousands of Catholic school children enjoyed a field trip to Parliament Hill on May 12^th to take part in the annual March for Life.

They joined scores of members from various religious organizations pushing for tougher abortion laws in Canada, which were decriminalized in 1969.

The anti-choice/pro-life rally was met by at least two hundred counter demonstrators who lined Elgin Street and shouted slogans and waved signs as the congregation paraded by.

“Pro-life men have got to go, when you get pregnant let us know” and “get your rosaries off my ovaries” were among the chants resonating against the large male and Catholic presence in the rally.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has reiterated that he will not re-open the abortion debate at the federal level, although a Conservative majority government may feel more confidently inclined to push its ideological persuasions.

At the municipal level, Ottawa mayor Jim Watson stirred up controversy surrounding the event by declaring a “Respect for Life Day”.  It drew fire for helping to frame the debate in favour of a conservative political agenda seeking to criminalize abortion and undermine women’s equality.