Reagan Vows ‘Our Best’ to Abortion Foes

President Reagan, speaking over a telephone to thousands of demonstrators gathered to protest legalization of abortion 15 years ago, said today “we’re doing our best” to stop federal payment for abortions.

Reagan made his comments in a telephoned speech to about 50,000 anti-abortion activists gathered on the Ellipse behind the White House to mark the 15th anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing most abortions.

Later, helmeted police arrested scores of protesters who marched to the Supreme Court and staged a “pray-in.”

“As you know, we’re continuing to work and do our best to end any federal funding,” Reagan said, noting that the Administration will soon publish regulations barring the use of federal planning assistance for agencies linked in any way to the performance of abortions or abortion counseling.

New Regulations Coming

Under current family planning law, known as Title X, clinics offer counseling and advice to women, including those who are pregnant, but Reagan said “too often” such counseling leads to abortions.

“Our new regulations will put an end to this conflict of interest in cases where Title X funds are involved,” Reagan said. “They will prohibit using Title X money for any program that performs abortions or counsels or refers for abortions or promotes abortion through the media, the courts or any place else.”

There will be, Reagan said, “no mingling of silver.”

The Planned Parenthood Federation of America has said it will sue to block the implementation of the proposed regulations.

Demonstrators Praised

Reagan thanked the demonstrators for their efforts in the past and asked for their help in bringing about greater restrictions on abortions.

Reagan said that “for a decade and a half, you have worked to end the tragedy since that court, with the stroke of a pen, legalized abortion.” He said the 1973 decision has cost the lives of 20 million infants.

The high court on Jan. 22, 1973, barred states from criminalizing most abortions. The decision, announced in a case called Roe vs. Wade, was based on what the court said is a woman’s constitutional right to control her body.

Protesters Carry Roses

After Reagan’s speech, the demonstrators, many carrying signs assailing Planned Parenthood and other groups, marched around the White House to Capitol Hill and the Supreme Court. Many wore or carried roses, the symbol the movement has adopted for the aborted fetus, and some carried graphic signs of bloody fetuses.

A separate demonstration was planned by “pro-choice” forces later in the day.

The National Organization for Women said it would sponsor a memorial service to symbolize its support for the Roe vs. Wade ruling and opposition to Reagan Administration efforts to overturn it.

“These serious challenges to a woman’s right to life and a woman’s right to reproductive freedom will continue to be opposed vehemently by this organization,” said a NOW published statement.