Though the mainstream media remained, for the most part, silent on the issue, one of the largest annual peaceful protests in Washington, D.C. took place on Jan. 22. The march was planned for the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which established abortion as a constitutional right. Over half a million pro-life protestors descended on Washington to stand for the unborn in the 42nd annual March for Life. This short but powerful walk started at the National Mall, where participants listened to many moving testimonies and public figures, including congressional Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Daniel Lipinski (D-IL). It then progressed to the steps of the Supreme Court building. Amidst the songs, prayers and tears, it was hard not to get caught up in the power of the demonstration.
Emma Fierro, a 25-year-old alumnus of Mississippi State University and participant in this year’s protest, described the movement.
“Witnessing thousands of people of all ages standing up for something they believe in was inspiring. It made me realize that being pro-life, while focusing on saving unborn [lives] in that moment, also encompasses the desire to protect and cherish all stages of life, from the beginning to the end,” she said.
The crowd was mostly made up of a younger generation of high school and college students — something that may catch some by surprise. Many of these students traveled from out of state for the event.
Millennials made their presence known with their countless “#whywemarch” and “I am the Pro-Life generation” signs that speckled the crowd. The March for Life has managed to grow to huge proportions within the past 20 years largely because of this youth turnout. And this seems to be a trend. In a recent Gallup poll, people ages 18-29 were found to be the second least likely age group to support abortion (with only 24 percent that said it should be legal in all circumstances) behind ages 65+. Now the question comes down to whether or not politicians will begin running on a stronger pro-life platform to get the youth’s vote in the upcoming elections. Congress seemed to hear their cries; on the same day, Congress voted to pass a bill brought forth by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), another speaker at the March for Life events that would effectively prohibit federal taxpayer money from going to fund abortions. While this bill probably won’t make it past the President’s desk, it shows the impact hundreds of thousands of marchers can have on their government. And though the pro-life movement has a long way to go, the mostly grassroots movement has made huge advances largely with the added power of this energized youth. If trends keep this way, America could be looking at a pro-life constitutional amendment within the next few decades.
