Pro-lifers demonstrate alongside women's reproductive rights advocates

About 200 people gathered on the UA campus yesterday for a pro-choice rally that remained peaceful, even though pro-life activists demonstrated alongside people advocating a woman's right to an abortion.

The rally, which included speakers and informational tables from supportive organizations, ended with a march around the University of Arizona Mall and Old Main.

Lydia Hallay, a women's studies and creative writing sophomore who helped organize and emcee the event, stressed the need for activism.

"Women's fundamental rights to their own bodies are in jeopardy," she said. "It's extremely important to show it won't happen.

"We're gonna raise hell, basically."

Pro-choice proponents took aim at President George W. Bush and his conservative, anti-abortion administration - including Attorney General John Ashcroft, an outspoken foe of abortion, and Bush's decision to end U.S. funding for abortions performed overseas - calling him "public enemy number one."