Some say the number three is magical and normally brings good luck. However, in reality, lady luck does not always visit those in need or deserving of her service. Today is day three of the conference and the day that all our hard work, blood sweat and tears and intense discussions will come to light before a room full of government officials who would either approve or disapprove of our recommendations. Following an intense and some-what tiring night those youth delegates who were selected to either present our recommendation or participate in the twelve roundtable meeting were ready for the task at- hand. The remaining delegates were also gearing up for a fun, intense and successful march in the city of Guanajuato, which was scheduled to run for at least four hours during the day. The day was perfectly orchestrated and was ready to kick off, however a local religious and anti-abortion group had different plans for the participants.

Their plans began with the replacement of our newly drafted recommendation coupled with theirs that clearly highlighted and supported their personal issues and views. But they didn't stop there; all throughout the day were two huge billboards which read "abortion is not only illegal and immoral" mounted on two trucks driving all over the town. Interestingly, I thought the ads were very creative even though I do not support their point of view.

Thought that was the end? Well you are wrong; the protestors bombarded the entrance of the convention with little children especially girls dressed in long floor length skirts distributing pamphlets and posters promoting their organization and beliefs. I found it interesting that this group would use little children (who by the way should be in school) to demonstrate at a conference that is geared at youth development and empowerment so I stole one of young protesters and asked her a few questions. Not surprising, this little eight-year old knew nothing about abortion, didn't know where babies came from and was instructed by her mother to preach the message given to her on a piece of paper. The advocate in me really wanted to give her a quick sex education session there and then however the conference participant of me encourage me not to.

The protestors continued all day and all week stopping everyone in their tracks just to spread the word. Very strategically they ensured that they approached all non-Mexicans that they came in contact with. The march organized by the conference always came under pressure by the same group and at some point there were intense altercation between members from both parties.

From my personal experience in León Guanajuato, the locals are very inexperienced and had a lot to learn in various areas and those of African descent were bombarded with excited locals for pictures. I, therefore, concluded that their protest was out of sheer ignorance or lack of knowledge. Maybe what we need to do is form a group and embark upon a campaign in León.