K'JIPUKTUK (Halifax) - You didn't even need to read their signs, the large pink hearts said it all: love. 

Nearly 100 people rallied outside Halifax’s Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre Thursday morning to send a positive pro-choice message, which organizer Allison Sparling called “pro-love.”

“We want to make sure that everyone knows they can make the decision unafraid and unashamed," Sparling said.

The rally was organized in response to a group of anti-abortion protestors who came through Halifax earlier this week and held graphic signs of bloody unborn fetuses. Sparling says they mis-represented what abortion looks like. 

She said the group used manipulated images of miscarriages and later-term abortions. They claimed to be pro-life when, in fact, they advocated for unsafe healthcare and caused harm and fear with their judgment, Sparling said. 

Twitter and social media have since been abuzz with comments from locals who were looking for a way to send their own message. 

"As much as the fight for reproductive rights is still very much a fight, we wanted to stand outside the (hospital) with very positive images," she said. 

Demonstrators held signs decorated with bright pink and red hearts, and words of encouragement to let women know they should feel safe and supported whatever their choice. 

Andrea Ritchie did not see the original images, but felt compelled to join the rally to support access to safe healthcare, equality and choice. 

“The response that was being organized was so positive and productive, there’s just no reason not to be here," she said. "Who’s not pro-love?” 

Sparling, who is also the creator of yourchoicehalifax.com — a website that provides information and resources on sexual health — believes people should have the knowledge and confidence to know that abortion is a safe choice. 

She has been amazed by the outpouring of community support, and believes Thursday's rally sent a powerful message loud and clear.  

“The next time people come into our city with images of shame they’ll know they're not welcome here,” Sparling said.