Dawn Khamvongsa would torture herself with thoughts like, "What kind of monster could kill her own child?"

Just someone who felt scared and alone, like she had been once, after choosing to end her pregnancy due to what she thought was the threat of serious physical illness if she remained pregnant. She later learned her disease was treatable.

Today, the Lititz woman and her 13-year-old granddaughter were among the estimated 250 local people — not counting those who may have traveled individually — heading to Washington, D.C., to emphasize that "everyone is hurt by abortion," in Khamvongsa's own words.

At least five busloads of Lancaster countians were to be in the nation's capital today for the 35th annual March for Life in the nation's capital.

It was all about "showing people that we care, and hopefully make a difference in people's attitudes" in America, said first-time marcher Joe Sexton, of Lancaster, as he prepared to leave this morning from Millersville's St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church.

Khamvongsa was to address the marchers today in Washington, in the hope that "my story helps someone else avoid the trauma of abortion," she said.

Organizers of the Lancaster march, as they headed out early today from St. Philip and two other sites here, were cheered by the strong turnout and also cheered by polls that find more support for the anti-abortion cause.

Also, a recent report found that the number of abortions in the United States has dropped to its lowest level since 1974.

It was on Jan. 22, 1973, that the U.S. Supreme Court voted to legalize abortion.

A Lancaster-area organizer of today's trip, Anne Marie DiCarlo, was most encouraged by the younger people she saw preparing to get on the buses today heading to Washington.

"I see a lot of kids, a lot of teenagers here," the 42-year-old DiCarlo said, smiling despite the biting wind in the Millersville church parking lot.

"I'm so excited that they're taking this issue and making it their own."

All of the efforts, she said, are "going a long way toward educating people on alternatives to abortion."

Sexton, who's 39 and making his first trip to March for Life, was riding with his kids, J.P., Alie, Vincent, Therese and Elizabeth.

"This is all about the fight for life," he said.

"That's all we can do ... show up and show people we care, and make a difference in people's attitudes" and government action, the Lancaster man said.

Citing statistics estimating that one in three women under age 40 have an abortion, Khamvongsa said she now wants to "speak out all over the U.S." against abortion.

"Women have to know it's OK to talk about it" after having had an abortion, she said, and try to find healing and "know that there are others who have gone through it, and know what it's like."

Khamvongsa, a teacher and nurse, was riding with 13-year-old Enya Yoder, one of her five grandchildren.

The Lancaster delegation expected to meet with Pennsylvania's two U.S. senators, Democrat Bob Casey and Republican Arlen Specter, and the county's U.S. congressman, Rep. Joe Pitts.

At least five buses from the county are transporting people to and from today's march in the capital.

Four were being sponsored by Catholics Defending Life — the three leaving from St. Philip's and one from Elite Coach in Ephrata.

The fifth, sponsored by WDAC radio station, was leaving from Lancaster Bible College.

After her abortion, Khamvongsa said she lived with "15 years of suffering ... with hearing babies cry when I was alone."

But through one anti-abortion ministry, "I received what to me was a miracle — hope and healing."

That's what she wants to offer now in speaking out, the Lititz resident added.

CONTACT US: doconnor@LNPnews.com or 481-6033