Joe is thanking God they didn't send another 90,000 flags

For local business owner Joe Ruscio, bringing a display of 10,000 flags representing one-tenth of the abortions performed each year was a matter of faith.

A similar flag planting had been put on display previously on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, with the full 100,000 pink and blue flags.

“I thought the flags offered a good visual. Originally I ordered 100,000, thank God they only sent me 10,000,” said Ruscio.

Each flag placed on the front lawn of St. Mary’s College {SMC) this morning represents 10 of the estimated 100,000 abortions performed in Canada each year.

Ruscio organized the display, as well as bringing in pro-life guest speakers to address students today at SMC.

The flags were placed by Ruscio, other volunteers and Mike Schouten, guest speaker and director of WeNeedALaw.ca, a national organization which aims to have laws enacted to protect unborn children.

“WeNeedALaw.ca is not about pushing bibles down people’s throats, it’s about the human rights of human beings. Why are we allowing human lives to be terminated past the point they can survive outside of the womb? Why are we allowing abortions based on the sex of the pre-born child?” said Shouten.

He said Canada is the only country which has no protections whatsoever for children in the womb.

“100,000 abortions every year? That’s 100,000 women, 100,000 men who — in one way or another — are connected by the process. I think there are many people who are hurting and I think it’s good for the students to know there are options,” said Shouten.

The 100,000 abortion-a-year estimate was provided by the organization.

Shouten said the SMC students have been receptive to the display.

“This flag display is a very passive, non-aggressive way to get the people of the Sault talking about this issue and hopefully encouraging the kids that they can also talk about it, without being suppressed by those who desire to fear-monger,” said Shouten.

Ruscio also said the students have been receptive to the flags, which offer a less graphic representation of abortion than seen at some pro-life rallies.

“I think if they saw an actual abortion, like I have, I think it would change their minds,” said Ruscio.