RALEIGH — 25 years ago Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion. Some applauded the decision, others scorned it. The heated debate has been going on since then.

On Saturday, hundreds gathered in Raleigh to mark the 25th anniversary of the court ruling.

Tears, joy, and song marked the 25th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Hundreds of people, for and against abortion rallied in the State Capitol.

Abortion opponent Loretta Thompson says that today's march was about solidarity and education.

And, while the two groups were only blocks apart, their opinions on abortion were clearly divided. Some say that it's about protecting the rights of women. Others say that it's about not trouncing on the rights of the unborn. Abortion supporter Deborah Ross thinks that folks who don't support the idea of legal abortions are chipping away at freedom.

But, both sides agree that it's important to keep the issue in the spotlight even though the Supreme Court handed down its decision more than two decades ago. Supporters and opponents know that federal and state legislation is always subject to change.

Abortion is legal in several other countries.

Women can also have legal abortions in England, the Netherlands, Finland, Japan and Australia. It's illegal to have an abortion in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, The Dominican Republic, Mexico and Peru.