Anti-abortion demonstrators rally on Roe v. Wade anniversary

More than 1,000 anti-abortion demonstrators gathered at the Capitol Thursday to demand an end to government-funded abortions.

In Minnesota, women who cannot afford abortions are able to get them through a state-subsidized health care plan. Supporters of legal abortion say ending that practice would force women to seek dangerous alternatives to end their pregnancies.

The march, organized by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, marked the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that made abortions legal nationwide.

Despite the gathering, Gov. Mark Dayton said he doesn't see himself signing any legislation that would put restrictions on abortions.

Abortion opponents, however, say they're still looking for lawmakers to draft their bills. A new Republican majority in the House has given them hope that the issues will be raised even if Dayton decides to veto.

"When we passed a law that said you have to inspect and license abortion clinics, he vetoed the bill," said Scott Fischbach, executive director of MCCL. "This year we're going back at it again. We want to get that bill on his desk again because abortion centers in Minnesota should be licensed, and they should be inspected."