Anti-abortionists lobby for a 'life amendment'

January 23, 1980

Hundreds of anti-abortion activists lobbied on Capitol Hill Tuesday, pushing for a "human-life amendment" and greeting returning legislators with their symbolic red roses.

Sen. Jesse Helms (R) of North Carolina, sponsor of the amendment that would forbid abortions, said that his measure probably will not be passed by either house of Congress this year but that the anti-abortion lobby should "make it your No. 1 priority" to lay the groundwork for future success.