It was a solemn scene at Southlawn Cemetery Sunday afternoon.
Right To Life Michiana organized a memorial service for the 2,000 fetal remains removed from the Illinois home of the late South Bend abortion doctor Ulrich Klopfer. Organizers say more than 200 people showed up to pay their respects at this second service.
The fetal remains are now in their final resting place, with people in attendance hoping something like it never happens again.
“It’s a horrible thing that happened,” said Lilia Barriga.
Klopfer died back in September. As family was clearing out his belongings, they found the medically-preserved fetuses. They were brought back to Indiana and given what Right to Life Michiana calls a proper burial.
“Everybody’s presence here today really acknowledges the humanity of the lives lost and that their lives are valuable and had meaning,” said Jackie Appleman, Right To Life Michiana Executive Director.
The memorial began with song and included prayers from local pastors along with testimony from women who had abortions performed by Klopfer.
The fetal remains were originally buried in a much smaller ceremony almost two weeks ago. Indiana’s Attorney General Curtis Hill has been on the front line of this case and was there today.
“It was very moving,” said Hill. “There’s lots of folks here who are focused on the importance of life, and I think it’s important for us to support that.”
Hill is a staunch pro-life advocate and has pushed for the fetal remains to be properly remembered.
“One of the things we learn by this process is there is a requirement of dignity in the death of these unborn and that requirement of dignity, which suggests if there’s dignity in their life,” said Hill.
Today’s memorial ended with “Amazing Grace” and dozens upon dozens of roses being laid on the gravesite, with people hoping this never happens again.
“Every life is precious and they need to be honored,” said Barriga.
While the law currently says that fetuses must either be buried or cremated, Hill hopes a bill going through the statehouse will enforce that law. The bill would require verification or burial or cremation of fetuses and Hill says he hopes that becomes law.
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