“With every woman, for every child.”
This was the slogan for the 51st annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Friday where thousands of pro-life Americans gathered despite snow and frigid temperatures. The annual march marks the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion nationwide for nearly 50 years.
Americans of all ages and faith backgrounds gathered at the rally before the march began with a view of the Capitol building in front and a view of the Washington Monument behind them. Young high school students built a snowman while others of all ages gathered in joy to witness and celebrate the beauty of life.
While thousands gathered to hear a variety of speeches, a video played on repeat, speaking to how the death and darkness of abortion will only end with an approach of hope and love. Those gathered were invited to be the light in the darkness, and a voice for unborn babies who have no voice.
The video also referenced, as did many speakers at the rally, that the overturn of Roe v. Wade was a big step but that much is still to be done, promising to “not stop marching until abortion is unthinkable.”
“We are not done. We will keep marching every January at the national level, as well as in our states, until our nation’s laws reflect the basic truth that all human life is created equal and is worthy of protection,” said March for Life President Jeanne Mancini.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., gave the opening remarks. He spoke about how the birth certificate of America, the Declaration of Independence, bluntly references the fact that our rights do not come from the government but from our Creator.
Johnson also noted that his existence was the result of an unplanned pregnancy. His parents were teenagers when they found out they were pregnant. Johnson showed gratitude to his parents for choosing life, expressing just how blessed he was for that decision.
Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Pregnancy Resource Center, and single mom and author Aisha Taylor, both spoke at the rally about how pregnancy resource centers saved the lives of their children. When they needed help and had nowhere to go, they reached out to one of these centers and were given a similar message: “How can we help you and support you?”
Both women noted that those conversations helped them to have the courage to keep their baby and not get an abortion. Now they could never consider life without their unplanned children.
There are over 2,700 pregnancy centers around the country. While the Biden administration desires to decrease their funding, these centers save lives every year and support mothers with over $300 million of donations in diapers, clothing, baby formula, and other necessities. Keeping these facilities open and available while championing the good they do was a clear message from the rally.
University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who just clinched the national college football championship a few weeks ago, also shared some words at the rally. “This is a great day for a march. It is football weather,” Harbaugh said, before noting what a great witness to the sanctity of life is being set by the thousands gathered.
[READ: UM Coach Jim Harbaugh Champions Right To Life Following Football Championship]
Once the walk to the Capitol building and Supreme Court began, thousands of pro-lifers filled the streets. Along the route, you could visibly see groups wearing color-coordinated scarves and hats. There were groups from Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, Indiana, New York and countless others who had traveled across the country to march.
Along the way, you could hear some groups praying the rosary while others sang songs and some led chants in support of the pro-life cause. Not long into the route, a bright yellow sign caught my eye: “Caution genocide content ahead.”
Soon there was a massive television in sight showing pictures of aborted babies. There was even a recording of a baby crying during an abortion. As a father of two, this was the most jarring part of the event. It was explicit and real. But it was true.
The reason why so many made their way through the bitter cold and snow to walk the streets of the nation’s capital was encapsulated by the chants, songs, and images of the day. Those who marched love life. They love families and they love babies.
Speaking to some participants on this cold day their messages were similar. “We come to give voice to the voiceless. We march out of love for life. Protecting their right to life is why we march.”
May the goal of the March for Life come true: let’s make abortion unthinkable because every life has infinite value.
Thomas Griffin teaches in the Religion Department at a Catholic high school and lives on Long Island with his wife and son. He has a master’s degree in theology and is currently a masters candidate in philosophy. Follow his latest content at EmptyTombProject.org
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