With the election of Barack Obama comes a mighty blow for abortion opponents as a pro-life president no longer sits in the White House.The coming week not only holds the inauguration of the 44th president but also the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. This year's Siouxland Pro-life Interfaith Prayer Memorial presented an avenue for local abortion opponents to share in prayer and discussion. But as the political atmosphere shifts the abortion debate faces a new front. Several hundred crowded into Central Baptist Church to mark the 36th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.

"The legalization of abortion in this nation is just as wrong as was the legalization of slavery," says Larry Walsh, an opponent of abortion.

The service featured a rose ceremony to represent each year since the landmark decision. Melissa Ohden told her story, as a survivor of abortion. 

"I am the product of an unsuccessful saline infusion abortion attempt," says Ohden.

In addition to observing the court decision, the service shines light on the next phase in the abortion debate.

"We've been having the same conversations for the past 36 years and we can only hope the conversation changes somewhat," says Ohden. 

With a pro-choice Congress and President the political platform will shift. 

"We haven't really had a partner with the government over the course of the Bush administration," says Jill June with Planned Parenthood of Iowa.

Now abortion opponents face a similar situation.

"We're looking at a much greater challenge because of the political sphere that we are operating in but god never said it would be easy," says Walsh.

But that doesn't mean the fight is over.

"Our course is prayer and peaceful protest at Planned Parenthood," says Walsh.

"I think their energies would be much better spent to join with us in the 98% that we do that prevents the need for abortion in the first place," says June.

In the New Year and with the new President, Planned Parenthood will continue to push for more sex education and prevention while 40 Days For Life will hold another vigil starting on Ash Wednesday.

Reported by Kate Springer. You can reach Kate at kspringer@kmeg.com.