March Scheduled for Day After Feast of the Annunciation

AREQUIPA, Peru, MARCH 16, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Maternity is something positive -- far from a frustration or a negative experience.

That's the certainty pro-life marchers in Peru want to promote with their fifth annual rally for life and family, commemorating the March 25 Day of the Unborn.

This year's theme is "Every Day Counts" and the march will be held on Saturday, March 26.

Neldy Mendoza, director of the rally coordinating team, explained that the event seeks to create an atmosphere of respect and appreciation for life, generating a favorable attitude toward the unborn and maternity -- "so that [maternity] is seen as something good, positive, and not something negative and frustrating for a woman."

"If we see the child as a gift and maternity as something grandiose, all efforts will be directed to protect life and the family," she reflected.

Civil, cultural and artistic associations join in the event, as well as municipalities, educational institutions, health clinics, artisans' unions, private companies and institutions working for children, youth, women and the family.

Speaking of the daily toll of abortions around the world, Mendoza said, "To kill is an act of violence, hence, society is becoming more violent. If we do not protect the defenseless, how can we think we can promote peace, protect the elderly and children?"