March for Life

Young People on Pro-Life Movement’s Future

I spent last weekend chatting with some of the young people at the 52nd annual National March for Life.

The energy on the National Mall spoke to marchers’ excitement about the Trump administration’s early support for life, including releasing 23 peaceful pro-life protesters from prison and enforcing a ban on tax dollars funding elective abortions.

With speakers like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Vice President J.D. Vance set to address the march, the people I interviewed also expressed excitement about the pro-life movement’s prospects in 2025.

They also had some ideas.

Here’s what I found out.

Many wanted to see more pro-life legislation on the books. Abby was one of several who wanted state officials to pass more heartbeat laws. Others told me they’d like to see a federal ban on abortion — though they’re unsure if it can be accomplished in a year.

“I’d like to see a federal abortion ban,” Jefferson told me. “I’m not sure how likely that is, but it’s really a culture shift we can work on.”

Margaret thinks the government needs to stop funding Planned Parenthood.

It’s weird that we fund it on a government level. It’s just weird. Why would you do that? Why would you not fund places that help women instead of convincing them to get a surgery that could potentially ruin their chances of having children years later?

Margaret is asking the right questions. To read more about how weird Planned Parenthood really is, click here.

But most of the people I spoke to didn’t reference legislation at all. Instead, they hope the pro-life movement will focus on abortion prevention through education and supporting healthy families and communities.

“I think focusing on the family and community aspect is important,” Nathan explained. “We should show how building stronger communities [that support people in crisis pregnancies] prevent abortions rather than putting a Band-Aid on the problem.”

A big part of preventing abortions, they said, is making sure women with unexpected pregnancies know they can get support.

“We really need to let [women with unexpected pregnancies] know they are loved, and that, if they don’t have people that will support them, there are people that are willing to support absolute strangers because this matters so much,” Caleb said.

Matteo told me he knows pregnancy resource centers are out there, but that many of the women who need them don’t.

“Often, people will say they don’t have the resources to provide for a baby,” he expounded, “but there’s definitely people [and organizations] that can help. We need to get the word out.”

Maryella thinks the pro-life movement could benefit from teaching sex-ed in schools.

High schoolers have these horrible sex-ed classes. If the pro-life movement could go into public schools and teach more about adoption and foster care to high school students, I think it would substantially change their vote for the better.

Several expressed how important it would be for secular leaders — not just church leaders — to teach about the dangers of promiscuity. They believe the pro-life movement should work toward promoting abstinence and sexual purity as a healthy way of life.

Jefferson has lots of hopes for the pro-life movement next year. He’s convinced social media is one of the best ways young people can help achieve those goals.

“Gen. Z is growing up in a tech age,” he enthused. “We know how to use all the technology, and it amplifies our voice more than older generations. We need to utilize that, use our voice on social media, and be loud.”

Young people’s next best secret weapon, Jefferson told me, is our persistence.

We’re full of energy. We can do things that the older people can’t. We can stay up long hours, we can stand outside the abortion clinics, we can march for long hours. We have to use what God’s given us and steward it well.

Full of energy and full of ideas, the pro-life youth are a force to be reckoned. 2025 won’t know what hit it.

Young Person Talks to Young People at National March for Life

When you attend the National March for Life, the first thing you’ll notice is the cold.

You might not feel it all at once. You might, like this overconfident reporter, even take your gloves off to better grip your pen.

You’ll question your decision when the stoic secret service agent to your left casually lifts his ski mask over his bright red nose. You’ll know you made a mistake when your favorite ballpoint pen slips through your numb fingers and into a mud puddle.

The second thing you’ll notice is the event’s size. In the shadow of the Washington Monument last Friday, I watched thousands of people wind their way through metal detectors to participate in a pre-march rally.

At various points, I found myself in close proximity to Catholic and Russian Orthodox clergymen with puffer coats under their robes, babies wrapped into blanket burritos, gaggles of teenagers wielding handmade signs and banners, and, once, in front of a complimentary dessert table, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The third thing you’ll notice is how many of these people are young. For every older priest and Governor, I seemed to encounter five more people under thirty years old.

Being under thirty myself, I decided to ask some of my people why they were spending Friday at the National March for Life.

I approached Emma Smith (16) after seeing her sign, a striking red, black and white creation featuring a growing, pre-born baby in the center.

“I wanted my sign to pack a punch,” she told me. “I wanted people to understand that these are babies — real humans.”

Emma attended the National March with her Christian high school. She says the group traveled all the way from North Carolina speak up against abortion.

“We’re here to celebrate life,” Emma explained. “We just want people to know that God loves babies.”

God’s love for preborn children was a common, deeply-held conviction among those I interviewed.

“I believe abortion is very bad because babies are created in the image of God,” Adventures in Odyssey superfan Isaiah (12) told me, holding up two of his many signs.

I asked Isaiah’s friend, Bets (10), why she thought people her age should support the pro-life movement.

“Because we are close to the age of the people we are wanting to live,” she explained, showing me the sign hanging around her neck.

I met college friends Sophia (21) and Katherine (21) just inside the rally grounds. Katherine was excited to join the march for the first time.

“I just think it’s amazing,” she told me, smiling. “The amount of people that come out here to support the cause is pretty inspiring.”

Sophia said she grew to love children after growing up an only child. She and Katherine skipped classes to show government and church leaders that young people care about the pro-life cause.

I think its important for church and U.S. leadership to see what young people want. So hopefully we’ll see a lot of students taking the day off school to be here — because this is important to us.

Siblings Margaret (15) and Jefferson (17) are exactly the people Sophia hoped would show up and show out.

“We’re coming from Rockville, Maryland. We go to Rockville High School and we’re missing it,” Jefferson told me, laughing. “Sorry Rockville High School!”

It was an easy decision for the 17-year-old, who says the Holy Spirit convicted him to support preborn babies at a young age.

“[I’m marching] to be a voice for the unborn. I find it is very much motivated by the Holy Spirit and the convictions I’ve been given.”

He continued:

The phrase that stands out to me is being a voice for the voiceless. Right now, [preborn babies’] voices aren’t being heard. We have to give them that voice as people who are up here walking around.

For Margaret, sacrificing a day of school hadn’t been so easy.

“I’ve [always] been against abortion and I want babies to live, but, before [last night], I [hesitated] because I had a few assignments.”

On Thursday night, she told me, something changed her mind.

“I don’t know what it was, but I just felt really motivated. I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll skip school to come.’”

Amanda (22) attended the march with her parish. She told me she marched to honor babies like her brother.

I’m here because my family has been greatly impacted by abortion. My brother is adopted, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. I’m just here to let people know that it is good they exist.

Amanda’s friend Maryella (20) hoped youth attendance at the march would convince other young people to openly support life.

“I feel like a lot of people think that young people are very for abortion because it’s ‘new and modern,’ but I think a lot of youth do disagree with abortion and [know] that it’s really harmful to use it as a tool for their convenience.”

She continued:

I think when youth are out here it shows other young people that it’s okay to be against the abortion agenda and that being pro-life isn’t too traditional or too in the past.

Like Maryella, Kamila (16), Abby (18) and Olivia (17) hoped to represent their generation well.

“It’s going to impact us a little later in life, but [being pro-life] is something we’re already thinking about,” Kamila explained. “It’s important to represent our age group.”

“I think it’s important to stand up for people who can’t speak for themselves,” Abby added, “because if we don’t do it, who will?”

The trio felt emboldened by the support of President Trump and Vice President Vance.

“I think it’s awesome, because we finally have pro-life advocates in our government system to speak up for the unborn and make laws that can outlaw [abortion].”

“I think it’s a beautiful thing to be in Washington D.C. so soon after the inauguration and to represent something so beautiful,” Olivia reflected.

Caleb (24), Adam (19) and Nathan (20) also expressed cautious optimism about the new administration.

“Vance and Trump’s record on abortion hasn’t been my favorite,” Adam admitted, “but I think it’s very good that we have the support of some of the most powerful people in government.

“I think even having their ear turned to the pro-life movement is a good first step.”

The young men are members of the Knights of Columbus — one of the National March for Life’s biggest sponsors. They intend to help the pro-life movement shape a culture that values life.

“The culture that we foster now is the culture that we’re going to foster our kids into,” Nathan told me.

“It’s important for us to interact with as many people as possible [and start] building strong communities and families.”

Matteo (19), Diego (19), Nazareth (18), Adolfo (18), Christian (19), Collin (18), and Collin (19) bussed to the march with the University of Notre Dame’s Right to Life Group.

“There’s millions who get killed every year from abortion, and we’re here to speak up against that—because they can’t speak for themselves,” Matteo told me. They hope this year’s march will encourage U.S. leaders to enact progressive change on abortion.

Young people weren’t just part of the marchers. 22-year-old Hannah Lape took the stage at the pre-march rally to speak on behalf of Wheaton College.

“Wheaton was invited to lead the march last August,” Lape told me, “and we knew that speaking was part of that invite. I knew I was going to be taking the job as [Wheaton’s Voice for Life] president, so everyone kind of just agreed that I would [speak].”

“I was excited, too!” she added.

Lape hopes young people will lead the pro-life movement in the era of social media.

I think so much social media representation of our generation is so negative. And there are a lot of pro-life young people my age in college, but whether it’s algorithms or echo chambers or what have you, people don’t see them.
I think it’s really important for our generation to show that young people are pro-life and we want pro-life policies.

Part and parcel of that, said Lape, is combatting pro-abortion lies online.

We have to tell people the truth first and foremost. There’s a lot of disinformation out there about abortion. The left [engages] in intentional fearmongering. They say, “If we don’t have this law, or if we have this law, than you will lose all of your rights and women will die.” That’s absolutely not true. They conflate miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy care to abortion care.

Better than any other metric, the passion and persistence of the young people at this year’s March for Life illustrates the health and vitality of the American pro-life movement.

Vive la Résistance!

Trump, Vance, Other Republican Leaders Speak at March for Life

Last Friday, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance addressed a crowd of thousands of passionate pro-life advocates at the 52nd annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. Florida Governor Ron Ron DeSantis, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johson also made appearances.

The energy at the March for Life was electric as attendees celebrated the Trump’s first week in office. Trump has already proven himself to be one of the most pro-life presidents in recent history and continued his legacy by releasing 23 peaceful pro-life protestors from prison, shutting down a government-sponsored pro-abortion website and defunding International Planned Parenthood. Trump also enacted an executive order confirming human life begins at conception and reinforced a ban on federal funds paying for elective abortions.

President Trump delivered his remarks via video from the Oval Office, saying he was proud to be the first president to join the March for Life in person, referring to his in-person address in 2020.

Trump vowed that he would “stand proudly for families and for life” in his second term and committed fighting radical abortion policy and advancing adoption and foster care. Trump called the pro-life mission just and pure because it seeks “to forge a society that welcomes and protects every child as a beautiful gift from the hand of our Creator.”

The March for Life marked Vice President Vance‘s first public appearance since being sworn into office and he appeared to be genuinely happy with the pro-life community, telling attendees, “It is a joy and a blessing to fight for the unborn, work for the unborn, and to March for Life.”

In response to this year’s theme “Why We March,” Vance declared, “We march to protect the unborn. We march to proclaim and live out the sacred truth that every single child is a miracle and a gift from God.”

Vance received cheers from the crowd when he pledged that the federal government would no longer be weaponized against pro-life advocates. Instead, he assured attendees that the new Administration would stand by the pro-life movement.

This year marks an exciting season for the pro-life movement in that many pro-life lawmakers have assumed federal leadership positions. There are high hopes that pro-life lawmakers will not only use their positions of authority to roll back aggressive and progressive abortion policies that hurt women and preborn babies, but also work diligently to pass laws that promote a culture of life across America.

For the first time in the history of the March for Life, the House speaker and the Senate majority leader also took the stage to speak at the rally.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he was inspired to be at the rally and bear witness to the beauty and the goodness of every human life. He encouraged attendees to remember that they are part of a “great movement united around the truth that every life is precious, and every human being is created in the image of God and has infinite value and worth.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson told attendees this is a new era for the pro-life movement. He heralded the work of the new Administration to advance pro-life policy and he pledged to do all he could in the House of Representatives to protect innocent life.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also attended with his wife, Casey DeSantis and their three small children.

He spoke of the success of the pro-life movement in defeating the Florida abortion amendment this past November. DeSantis said that one of the lessons learned through that process is that politicians shouldn’t be afraid to stand for the right to life.

DeSantis received the greatest applause when he ended his speech with the line — “Florida is not only the place where woke goes to die, it’s the place where babies go to live.”

Jim Daly, President and CEO of Focus on the Family, said, “As people who believe every human being is made in God’s image, we must remain laser-focused on all efforts designed to champion the dignity of every life.  We must never tire nor grow weary in our quest to defend every preborn life.”

The March for Life is a reminder for all of us that we each have the opportunity and the power to make a difference.

Let’s all do our part to advance a culture of life in America!

Image from Getty.

World’s Largest Annual Human Rights Gathering This Friday

Pro-life Americans will march in Washington, D.C. this Friday at the 52nd National March for Life — the largest annual human rights gathering in the world.

Since Roe’s reversal over two and a half years ago, organizers of the March for Life have doubled down on the importance of gathering each January to rally and march together until every life in the United States is protected from abortion.

This year’s theme is “Why We March.” It is meant to encourage the pro-life community to have renewed energy and vigor to keep advocating, even in challenging times, for the sanctity and dignity of every human life.

Organizers say the rally will be held in a new location this year — at the grounds of the Washington Monument.

Attendees will march down Constitution Avenue, past the White House, and complete their march in front of the United States Capitol — symbolizing the power the legislative branch now holds to advance pro-life policy.

Music group “Unspoken” will be performing a pre-rally concert beginning at 11:00 am ET.

The rally will begin at 12:00 pm ET.

The exciting line-up of speakers includes:

  • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
  • Bethany Hamilton, professional surfer, mother, and pro-life advocate
  • Lila Rose, president of Live Action
  • U.S. Senator John Thune, Senate majority leader
  • U.S. Congressman Chris Smith
  • Dr. Catherine Wheeler, obstetrician
  • Josiah Presley, abortion survivor
  • Beverly Jacobson, CEO of Mama Bear Care
  • Jeanne Mancini, president, March for Life
  • Jennie Bradley Lichter, president-elect, March for Life
  • The Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, chair, Committee on Pro-Life Activities, USCCB
  • Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
  • Hannah Lape, student and president for the Wheaton College Voice for Life

Focus on the Family will be in attendance and invites our pro-life friends to join us as we March for Life in our nation’s Capital.

If you plan on attending the March in person, you can RSVP and learn more details at March for Life.

If you are unable to attend in person, but want to be part of the event, you can watch the livestream online!

Join us as we boldly testify to the humanity of every preborn human life because that’s “Why We March!”

Colorado March for Life: Save the Date!

Colorado pro-life friends, please save the date for the second annual Colorado March for Life on Friday, April 11th, at the state Capitol in Denver!

The event will be co-hosted by the National March for Life and Pro-Life Colorado.

The rally and the March aim to promote life-affirming values in our state.

It is a family-friendly event, so plan on bringing your kids and show them what it means to peacefully advocate for life.

The day will kick off with a pre-rally concert at 10 a.m., followed by an hour-long rally on the steps of the Capitol and the March at noon.

More details will be available closer to the event date, including speakers, marching route, and parking information.

You can RSVP now to let organizers know you plan on attending.

We hope to see you in April as we rally together and march for life in Colorado!

Image credit: March from Life