Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington on Friday for the annual March for Life, energized by the momentum surrounding President Donald Trump‘s return to the White House.
Why It Matters
Abortion was largely absent from the stack of dozens of executive orders in Trump’s first days of office. But he has already made quieter moves on abortion, including pardoning several right-to-life activists and using wording related to fetal personhood in an executive order rolling back protections for transgender people.
In a recorded video address to attendees of the anti-abortion rally who braved the cold weather, Trump described Roe v. Wade as an “unconstitutional decision” that sparked “50 years of division and anger.”
What To Know
Despite the frigid weather, a festive atmosphere surrounded the event as activists showed up with multicolored hats and signs declaring “Life is our revolution” and “MAGA: Make Abortion Gone Again.”
The March for Life began with a prayer led by Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas. Newly appointed March for Life President Jennie Bradley Lichter addressed the crowd, reminding participants that despite the overturning of Roe v. Wade, their work was far from over.
A range of political leaders and advocates took the stage at the National Mall to energize the crowd. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised the attendees, saying, “I am nothing short of inspired looking out at all of you today.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson followed, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to the pro-life cause, including recent presidential pardons of pro-life activists.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis drew cheers with his declaration that Florida “is not only the place where woke goes to die, it’s the place where babies go to live.”
Vice President JD Vance, in his first public speech in the role, spoke about the beauty of life, sharing his own experiences as a parent and advocating for policies that make it easier for families to raise children.
“It is the task of our government to make it easier for young moms and dads to afford to have kids,” Vance said.
What People Are Saying
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told the Associated Press: “This is a significant moment in history. Yes, we have a march every year, but this one is pretty special…There is a trifecta of pro-life Republicans in the White House and the House and the Senate.
Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications at Planned Parenthood Action Fund, which supports abortion rights, in a statement: “We know exactly what is at risk and we know the hate and lies they will spew at the March for Life.”
What Happens Next
The battle over abortion since the 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade has been in state courts and at the ballot box where voters in seven states approved ballot measures for constitutional amendments on reproductive freedom in November.
Trump has consistently signaled that he would not pursue a national abortion ban, saying instead that decisions on the matter should remain with the states.
The post March for Life: Photos Show Large Anti-Abortion Protest in DC appeared first on Newsweek.
