Texas pro-life rally draws thousands

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Crowds packed the State Capitol grounds for the annual Texas Rally for Life. The state's top leaders were also there to make it clear that they supported the cause.

The 2013 Texas Rally for Life started Saturday morning with a march to the capitol steps. The rally then continued as thousands from across the state waved signs in support of the pro-life cause, as they listened to several speakers.

This year the rally commemorated the 40th anniversary of the controversial Roe vs Wade Supreme Court decision that first made abortions legal. Pro-life supporters say their movement is now stronger than ever. 

"Now, again, my goal, and the goal of all of us gathered here today, is to make abortion, at any stage, a thing of the past," said Governor Rick Perry. 

It's estimated that over 3,000 people attended the event to sign petitions and call upon their state representatives for change.

Some speakers called for people in the crowd to take an active role in the fight against abortion. 

"If you've never gone and stood in front of an abortion clinic and prayed you better start doing it now," said Abby Johnson. 

Johnson, was once the director of a Planned Parenthood facility in Texas, but joined the pro-life movement after witnessing an abortion being performed.

"I just said I need out and I need help and I need healing and ever since then I've been an outspoken advocate for life," said Johnson. 

She has now played an active role in  the recent de-funding of Planned Parenthood in Texas.