Reflecting on the March for Life
I’ll be turning 52 on January 23rd. For many years now, countless individuals have gathered in Washington, D.C., braving the elements to stand up for children who, unfortunately, are often silenced in the discussion about abortion. The theme this year, “Life is a Gift,” brings attention to the debate between those who see every pre-birth life as valuable and those who believe its worth can be based on convenience.
This all began back in 1974—just a year after the landmark Roe vs. Wade ruling, which highlighted the need for often overlooked groups to have a voice. The March for Life stands out as one of the enduring political movements in American history. Honestly, it’s tough to pinpoint another cause that unites so many. Each year, tens of thousands of Christians and supporters gather to remind everyone that life is indeed sacred.
In the 1970s, a lot of evangelicals viewed abortion as something primarily associated with Catholic beliefs, not really worth fighting for. However, due to the inspiring dedication of figures like Francis Schaeffer, more Protestants began to recognize the urgency surrounding the issue. Since then, the pro-life movement has sought to build a culture that values life through speeches, rallies, and various forms of training. Contrary to what some pro-abortion narratives suggest, those opposing abortion are actively creating a supportive network for expectant mothers in crisis through numerous pregnancy centers across the country. This effort has transformed the idea of “choice in life” into a tangible reality.
When it comes to politics, the situation is a bit complicated. Sure, there have been occasional small victories, but they’ve often been overshadowed by judicial overreach, especially due to Roe v. Wade. Every time a law aimed at protecting life is passed, it seems the courts either overturn it or weaken it in some way. The situation isn’t all that encouraging, to say the least.
However, after many years of advocacy and hope, in 2022, the Supreme Court ruled Roe v. Wade unconstitutional. The aftermath has been mixed. While this decision didn’t outright ban abortion, it did provide a glimmer of freedom for the pro-life community, which had long felt trapped by the legality of abortion. Some states, like Tennessee and Missouri, began enacting laws to protect unborn lives; however, voters in places like Ohio and Kansas often chose a different path. In contrast, pro-abortion advocates in states like Colorado and New York have pushed for more permissive laws, treating abortion as a fundamental right.
Today, the pro-life movement encounters challenges from both of the major political parties. The Democratic Party has firmly entrenched abortion as a key principle, while many within the Republican Party view calls for protecting life as a disruption. Interestingly, while pro-lifers owe a significant acknowledgment to President Trump, who appointed justices aligned with their values, he has also proven to be somewhat of a questionable ally. Although he presented himself as an advocate for life, his administration’s actions, such as promoting less regulation and increasing access to things like in vitro fertilization and chemical abortion, raised concerns among many.
The momentum of the movement continues, and it needs to. Events like the March for Life serve as vital touchpoints. I found the march I took part in to be both invigorating and educational. If you aren’t able to attend the national event in Washington, D.C., you can still participate by checking out state marches later this year.
Staying committed to the pro-life cause requires personal bravery, a good dose of effort, and strategic political action. All of this is crucial if we want to shift towards a culture where concepts like abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia become relics of the past.
