Dan McConchie, vice president of public affairs for Washington-based Americans United for Life, was the keynote speaker. He cautioned there is “no one silver bullet” that will suddenly prohibit legalized abortion. But he urged abortion foes to bring pressure upon legislators to force votes on initiatives aimed at chipping away at legal abortion, suggesting it offers the best path towards success.
McConchie described President Barack Obama as being “in the pocket of Planned Parenthood” and he said it’s clear the U.S. Senate is aligned with advocates of legal abortion. But he expressed optimism for the future, saying there is a growing number of anti-abortion politicians in state government offices nationwide.
About 25 Iowa legislators, nearly all Republicans, attended the rally, along with Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey. Bishop Richard Pates of the Des Moines Catholic Diocese was also present.
