Thousands brave snow and cold for March for Life in DC

Publish date: 2024-08-02

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — Thousands of anti-abortion activists traveled to our nation’s capitol Friday for the 51st annual March for Life.

Officials said the theme of the event this year is "With every woman, for every child." The theme focuses on the need to care for both mother and child during the nine months of pregnancy and in the years after.

"We celebrate the heroic work of Pregnancy Care Centers and Maternity Homes, while offering a roadmap to how we will truly achieve a life-affirming culture that respects the inherent dignity of all human life," Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, said.

Marchers came from all over the United States, turning the less-than-ideal weather conditions into a symbol of their movement’s resilience.

It’s exciting to be here. It’s really cold and look at all these people,” said one marcher from Pennsylvania.

Pro-life politicians, priests, and celebrities attended, including the University of Michigan's head football coach Jim Harbaugh fresh off winning the national championship.

Several religious and pro-life organizations attended the event, including representatives from the Archdiocese of Washington. The Archdiocese planned to hold an opening and closing mass at the National Basilica on Thursday evening and Friday morning.

Noticeably absent from Friday's event were pro-abortion activists. If any were there, they were few and far between.

Anti-abortion supporters scored a major win when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago, but the issue is far from settled.

As soon as that was overturned everyone decided to come after us. So, it’s more important than ever to keep sticking up for life,” said a young woman who traveled from Denver to attend.

“We’re just getting started, this is only the beginning,” added her friend.

Democrats are aiming to position abortion access as a top topic for 2024 perceiving it as a political weak spot for Republicans.

“The Democrats have found their voice. They’ve made this a top priority. Our guys not so much. The abortion issue can really advantage out candidates if they step up and say the right things," said Marjorie Dannenfesler, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life.

Dannenfesler said her organization would support a 12-15 week federal abortion ban.

I want to save every baby. The pro-life movement wants to save every baby. But we know that’s not how democracy works," she explained.

This week, Florida Senator Marco Rubio laid out a three-step strategy for Republicans to win over voters on abortion. Rubio's plan includes pushing a pro-family agenda extending the child tax credit and guaranteed paid parental leave.

“Marco Rubio’s plan has my 100% endorsement," said Dannenfelser. "It makes me wish he was running.”

A recent poll by the Knights of Columbus shows most Americans don’t support unlimited access to abortion. The poll shows two-thirds of Americans support some level of government-imposed abortion restrictions.

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