Thousands of pro-life activists gathered at the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the ‘March For Life,’ marking the first time the event was held in the post-Roe v. Wade era.
The March For Life is held annually on the anniversary of the Supreme Court 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had legalized abortion in all states, but the highest court overturned the decision in July, giving marchers a different purpose this year.
"This year, as it’s the first March after the reversal of Roe v. Wade, we’re coming together not only to celebrate that huge victory and answer to prayers but, also, to send a sign to the states,” a Liberty University student named Michelle told Cheddar. “It’s time for the states to step up on the state-level and make pro-life laws there.”
Another pro-life advocate also felt this March was different from years past.
“I think marching now post-Roe is really just about raising awareness,” Linda told Cheddar. “I think it’s important for the world to know that pro-life is pro-mom and pro-child.”
Organizers said the purpose of the March is to “not only change laws at the state and federal level, but to change the culture to ultimately make abortion unthinkable.”
While multiple states have passed numerous restrictions on the procedure, some are held up with legal challenges, while still other states faced pushback as Kansas and Kentucky voters rejected constitutional amendments that would have banned abortion.
Participants marched from the National Mall, where they listened to speakers including Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, down to Congress.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy responded to the March by highlighting the abortion-related votes that passed last week in the House.
“You now have a Congress that is standing up for life,” McCarthy tweeted.
But with a Democratic-led Senate, it is unlikely any anti-abortion measures will be passed.
