‘Babies are being murdered:’ Anti-abortion group protests in downtown Wichita
Please note that some images in this gallery could be triggering.
Chants of phrases like “don’t murder the baby” surrounded the streets of downtown Wichita, as the anti-abortion group Free the States protested.
Wielding graphic signs, the group elicited responses from those in the area — many drove down Douglas, honking at or rolling down their windows to insult or praise the group.
A student from Wichita East High School came out to confront the group and their usage of graphic images.
When asked why the group chose to use such graphic signs, James Silberman, Free the States communications director, said that a “culture that’s doing this to babies needs to be confronted.”
“I think people want to go about their days, just walking around, not thinking about the fact that babies are being murdered all the time,” he said.
While being anti-abortion, the Oklahoma-based group does not consider themselves pro-life, instead deeming themselves “abolitionists.”
“We’re not pro-choice; we’re not pro-life,” Wesley Russell, author at Free the States, said. “We would have fundamental disagreements with both of those camps. We believe that human life starts at fertilization.”
Protesters called for abortion rights to end immediately and said that they believe there should be no exceptions in abortion laws or bills.
“We’re not trying to get a heartbeat bill passed, a 15-week ban,” Silberman said. “We’re not trying to say who can perform abortions or when they can perform abortions — we’re trying to pass a law saying ‘abortion is murder’ and must be abolished here in Kansas.”
The group referred to the termination of pregnancy as “child sacrifice” and “murder,” preferring to avoid the word “abortion.”
“Kansas is a state that loves child sacrifice and has been called to repent this,” Silberman said. “That’s why we’re here, to bring the truth … of the gospel.”
Free the States considers itself a “church-driven” group, interlacing Christian notions with its messages about abortion.
“We’re using this as a mission trip,” Russell said. “Instead of going into foreign nations … we’re doing it here … especially with the history of Bleeding Kansas.”
A precursor to the civil war, Bleeding Kansas was a period in the 1850s that was marked by excessive violence between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups. Free the States deemed their series of events “Bleeding Kansas.” The group overlaps terminology often used in reference to the abolitionist movement, the movement to end slavery.
The march is part of a series of events hosted by the group this week. On Friday, the group protested on Wichita State’s main campus.
Mia Hennen is the current editor in chief for The Sunflower. Before becoming editor, Hennen was the news/managing editor. They are a junior at Wichita...
Danny • Mar 5, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Wow, is this a revival? Are Christians actually going to do what the Bible says? That is what this country needs.
Jacolia Cole • Mar 4, 2023 at 5:02 pm
Hunter’s statement that “Kansas loves abortion” shows a perplexing lack of understanding of Kansas, and of Wichita. They, as would many of us, would be well served to do a quick internet search of the following terms “summer of mercy Wichita” and “Dr. Tiller.”
And as for genocide, which is mentioned in this organization’s online information, if anyone can find a member of the Wichita tribe of Indigenous Native Americans, they’ll be able to help explain.
Edd Smith • Mar 3, 2023 at 11:06 pm
Sad that they have to harass kids just trying to got to school as well as use propaganda to prove a point. The devil comes in many forms and these brainwashed fools are clearly some of them.
Desmond • Mar 6, 2023 at 12:06 pm
If you turn a blind eye to the unapologetic child murder that “doctors” perform every day, Satan has TRULY done his work on YOUR heart.
The uncomfortable truth is from God.
The feel good lies are straight from the lips of cowardly men, music to Satans ears.
Jessica • Mar 8, 2023 at 1:16 pm
Not everybody is a Christian or has Christian values. Making abortion illegal because it does not fit Christian values is a violation of our first amendment rights.
Brent Davis • Mar 3, 2023 at 7:29 pm
Beautiful reporting!! Excellent journalism: report the facts; let people decide! Excellent photography.
Timmerie Henke • Mar 3, 2023 at 5:47 pm
I’ll be honest, coming on Wichita State campus today and seeing the sheer amount of these protesters was alarming. I was only in the areas between Neff, Ablah, and Heskett, but I still had people walk up and offer me cards with disturbing imagery on them. At one point, a friend and I were walking away from someone we said “No thank you,” to, and she continued to shout to us the further away we got – as campus tours were occurring, no less! I am a little worried that I will have to put up with ignoring people daily as I try to get to classes or go to campus events now…
George Litchfield • Mar 6, 2023 at 5:27 am
I pray that you will succeed at the great work of Christ Jesus. My prayer is that there will be no abortion in the United States at all. Praise Jesus Christ for you Amen
Desmond • Mar 6, 2023 at 12:07 pm
Don’t keep ignoring the disgusting child murder. It perils your soul.
There’s a REASON you don’t want to see it. It’s heinous!