Thousands of anti-abortion activists descend on Washington on Friday for the annual March for Life, looking to build momentum after a string of victories and keep up the pressure on lawmakers. After decades of fighting to overturn Roe v. Wade, organizers are seeking to focus on the many battles taking place between states over abortion rights.
Here's what you need to know about the 52nd March for Life:
Organizers estimated that about 150,000 people took part in the march—and previous years in the March for Life's 52-year history have certainly seen similar numbers. But turnout could be limited by ongoing severe winter weather that already forced President Donald Trump's inauguration indoors on Monday. Attendance could also be impacted by a natural relaxation among abortion opponents following the historic June 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed nationwide abortion rights.
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, organizers and activists have focused their attention on the many state-level battles over abortion rights. As before, the march will begin with a rally on the National Mall and end in the space separating the Capitol building from the Supreme Court. For decades, protesters have focused on the courthouse, but now the domed complex across the street is the main target.
Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, said despite the Supreme Court's decision, there is still work to be done. “There is no panacea for abortion,” she said. “The march now ends at the back of the U.S. Capitol to remind our representatives that abortion is not just a state issue, but a local issue and a federal issue.”
Looking ahead, Hawkins added that she would like to see Trump defund Planned Parenthood and put more government emphasis on ensuring women with unplanned pregnancies have resources to have a child, such as paid family leave and expanded tax credits. child care.
Last year, Trump disappointed some outspoken abortion advocates on the campaign trail by refusing to support a federal abortion ban and opposing some of the tougher state bans. But Trump took responsibility for the failure of Roe v. Wade as his three Supreme Court nominees in his first term tipped the balance.
This should be a victory for Trump, who was out of office by the time Roe v. Wade was overturned. He will be out of town but is expected to speak at the rally via a pre-recorded video message, with Vice President J.D. Vance serving as guest speaker. Among his initial actions and orders this week, Trump on Thursday pardoned several activists who had been jailed for blockade of Washington abortion provider.
“This is an important moment in history,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group SBA Pro-Life America. “Yes, we do the march every year, but this one is special. We just went through the first presidential election since the Dobbs decision. There are a trio of pro-life Republicans in the White House, House and Senate.”
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