Thousands of anti-abortion supporters gathered Friday for the annual National March for Life, the first high-profile event for the empowered Republican Party and the Trump administration.
Despite the frigid weather in the capital, thousands of people gathered from across the country and the energy in the crowd was high.
The March for Life, held every year since 1974, drew people of all ages. There were many children and university students, and one participant said he was surprised by the number of young people who had gathered.
Tiffany Heyward of Pennsylvania told The Hill she was there to “save babies and save lives,” adding that she hopes the event “will encourage people to open their hearts and minds.” ” he added. [the] It is also important to understand your baby. They should have a say. ”
Many in the crowd gathered in front of the stage in the shadow of the Washington Monument, many wearing beanies to keep out the cold, with the hats color-coded to group by school, community or social organization.
“I want to further the movement toward life and love and both mothers and babies,” said Katie Hilderman, a Missouri resident who attended for the first time. “If we want America to survive, we have to keep producing babies. We have to protect our babies.”
When asked if she would like to see specific anti-abortion policies taken forward, Hilderman said she would like to see funding for family planning systems cut off, as well as the proliferation of pregnancy planning support centers. answered.
While it is true that government reimbursements and grants make up the majority of Planned Parenthood's funding, federal funds are prohibited from funding abortion services. Much of the funding comes from Medicaid reimbursement through state programs.
Friday's “March for Life” caps a week in which Republicans in Congress are once again pushing forward the “Born Alive” bill, which would require health care workers to care for infants born alive after attempted abortions. However, this bill is already mandatory. If a health care worker is reported as not complying with the law, they can be fined, imprisoned, or both.
The House passed the bill a third time, but the Senate failed to trigger a shutdown, leaving the bill in limbo.
“Just yesterday in Congress, the House passed the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) told the crowd. But, very sadly, only one House Democrat voted in favor of this bill. ”
Both President Trump and Vice President Vance spoke at the event. Trump addressed the crowd in a recorded video message, and Vance's appearance marked his first public address since becoming vice president.
President Trump's message was met with cheers. President Trump was visiting North Carolina at the time of the march. Vance's appearance was a last-minute addition announced the day before.
“In our second term, we will once again stand up proudly for our families and lives,” President Trump said. “We will protect the historic gains we have made and block the radical Democratic movement for a federal right to have unlimited abortions on demand up to the moment of birth and even after birth. Masu.”
On Thursday, President Trump pardoned about 20 anti-abortion activists convicted of blocking the entrance to an abortion clinic.
Republican leaders also spoke at the event, including Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey.
Mr. Vance has encouraged increasing births in the United States, a goal he frequently mentioned during his 2024 campaign.
“We have committed a generation by not only tolerating a culture of abortion on demand, but also by failing to help young parents acquire what they need to lead happy and meaningful lives. We made a mistake,” Vance said.
“A culture of radical individualism took hold, where the responsibilities and joys of family life were seen as obstacles to be overcome rather than personal fulfillment and blessings,” he added.
“Our society has failed to recognize that the duties one generation has to another are a core part of living in society in the first place.So, let me put it very simply: Itadakimasu, but I want more babies in the United States.”
Neither Trump nor Vance spoke Friday about specific policies they plan to pursue to curb abortion or make parenthood easier. During last year's campaign, Trump touched on possible contacts with the government and insurance companies. Fund IVF serviceswhile Vance once suggested that Adults without children pay higher tax rates.
Immediately after Vance left the stage, the assembled crowd began marching down Constitution Avenue toward the Capitol.
