Mercy held its annual celebration of Pro-life Week from April 18 to 22. A large stand was set up in the south alcove to commemorate the events of the week.

Each day, students had the opportunity to guess staff members based on their baby photos. Social studies teacher Mr. Gary Morris, who was awarded the Heart of Mercy this year, was among the teachers who participated. Many students enjoyed speculating who was who throughout the week.

The display also featured startling statistics about abortion, such as the fact that there have been nearly 59 million abortions in the United States since the Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973.

This year, the Pro-life club focused on showing how the pro-life movement is also pro-women. A box was set up for students to submit notes explaining why they thought the movement supports women and their children. One sign on the board stated that 95 percent of women regretted their decision to have an abortion after the procedure.

Around the school, thousands of hearts were posted on the walls to represent the number of lives lost due to abortion each day in the United States.

The Pro-life club held a bake sale from April 19 to 21, and sold shirts for $13. The club also hosted a panel on April 21, focusing on the male viewpoint of abortion.

Many Mercy girls were excited about having a week to focus on the pro-life movement, especially after the March for Life trip was cancelled in January due to a snowstorm.

“It’s important to focus on the lives of those who can’t speak for themselves,” said junior Jessica Kayden.