On January 24th, the 47th annual March for Life took place at the National Mall in Washington D.C. Tens of thousands of people showed up to protest the legalization of abortion, and the theme was “Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro-Woman.” The crowd was filled with smiling faces as they wanted the message to be clear that the movement is not only focused upon protecting the unborn, but it is also about celebrating the born. They marched with the purpose of not making those who have had an abortion feel bad, but rather to advocate against these choices being made again.

This year Donald Trump spoke at the march, making him the first president ever to attend this event. It made a strong anti-abortion stance for his administration. Trump said that “they are coming after me because I am fighting for you” when he was talking to the protesters. He cemented his alliance with the pro-life movement and unity with the people there through his speech. One of his most profound quotes from his speech was, “All of us here today understand an eternal truth. Every child is a precious and sacred gift from God. Together, we must protect, cherish, and defend the dignity and sanctity of every human life.” He spoke directly to the youth and their first amendment right as he said, “We are protecting pro-life students’ rights to free speech on college campuses. And if universities want federal taxpayer dollars, then they must uphold your First Amendment rights, speak your mind.” For the past three years, Trump has sent videos to the marches put on by the March For Life. However, the action of going and speaking directly at the march during his re-election year emphasized the support he will get from the pro-life community as they are now saying he is the most pro life president we have had.

Another highlight from the march is that the campaign was driven by younger people, as the crowds were filled with high school and college students. The crowd was also filled with members of the organization “Secular Pro-Life” which is an organization which takes a pro-life stance without basing the beliefs upon the Christian faith. They see abortion as a theological debate between life and death. The movement was also driven by women speaking out about their own abortions as they carried “I regret my abortion” signs. Many women told their personal stories about their abortions and described the deep wounds caused by that decision.
The March for Life 2020 brought together people advocating for the lives of the unborn. The march was a success. The next annual march will take place on January 29,2021 in Washington D.C.