Hundreds turned out to the Bayfront Convention Center Saturday morning, to support the pro-life movement at People for Life's annual breakfast.
Lawmakers and religious leaders spoke at the event, taking a stand against abortion.
Bishop Persico was moved by the filled seats of the convention center ballroom. "We have a full house, which is great," he said.
A full house meant that about 600 people came out to support the pro-life movement.
"Numbers change hearts," said Pastor John Bowers of Grace Fellowship Church. "the louder we raise our voice, the harder it is for Washington to ignore it."
Congressmen Mike Kelly and Glen Thompson were proof that Washington isn't turning a deaf ear to the call to overturn abortion.
They drove into Erie late the night before, to speak at the pro-life breakfast.
"This is such an important day, this is about protecting the innocent unborn," said Thompson "I'm proud to be here with Congressman Kelly."
The legal side of the issue is something the National Women's Organization doesn't want to see changed.
Susan Woodland, the president of the NWPA chapter of NOW, said her organization believes in Roe v. Wade, and the "constitutional right of a woman to make her own personal decisions about whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term."
Pro-life supporters place higher belief in what they say is the ultimate right, given by God.
"We talk about rights," said Bishop Persico, "this is the primary right that everyone has... the right to life... unfortunately so many have lost that right even before they've had a chance to try to defend it."
Advocates are encouraged, though, by small legal changes which they see as steps toward ending abortion.
According to best-selling author and guest speaker George Weigel, "2011 saw 92 pro-life laws passed in 24 state legislatures."
Many people who were at the breakfast will be joining hundreds of thousands in the March for Life in Washington D.C. on Friday.
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