The annual Washington March for Life event has been forced to go virtual, making the announcement that the annual rally, which celebrates human life, will only be attended by a handful of leaders.
Related: For Christian women contemplating abortion, this may change your mind
Washington D.C. is not only feeling the effects of Covid-19, but is also on high alert after rioters recently stormed Capitol Hill.
“The protection of all of those who participate in the annual March, as well as the many law enforcement personnel and others who work tirelessly each year to ensure a safe and peaceful event, is a top priority of the March for Life,” the organizers stated. “In light of the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic which may be peaking, and in view of the heightened pressures that law enforcement officers and others are currently facing in and around the Capitol, this year’s March for Life will look different.
“The annual rally will take place virtually and we are asking all participants to stay home and to join the March virtually. We will invite a small group of pro-life leaders from across the country to march in Washington, DC this year. These leaders will represent pro-life Americans everywhere who, each in their own unique ways, work to make abortion unthinkable and build a culture where every human life is valued and protected.”
The March for Life is an annual rally peacefully protesting both the practice and legality of abortion, held in Washington, D.C. on or around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision issued in 1973 by the United States Supreme Court decriminalizing abortion. The march, whose stated mission is to “End abortion by uniting, educating, and mobilizing pro-life people in the public square”, advocates for overturning Roe v. Wade. It is organized by the March for Life Education and Defense Fund.
“We are profoundly grateful for the countless women, men, and families who sacrifice to come out in such great numbers each year as a witness for life – and we look forward to being together in person next year,” the organizers stated. “As for this year’s march, we look forward to being with you virtually.”
In January 2020, Donald Trump made history by being the first president to speak at the 47th annual March for Life event in Washington. While Vice President Mike Pence appeared in 2019, that was the highest honor that has ever attended the event prior to 2020.
“We’re here for a very simple reason: to defend the right of every child, born and unborn, to fulfill their God-given potential,” the president told pro-life the crowd last year.
“The life movement is led by strong women, amazing faith leaders, and brave students who carry on the legacy of pioneers before us who fought to raise the conscience of our nation and uphold the rights of our citizens. You embrace mothers with care and compassion. You are powered by prayer, and motivated by pure, unselfish love.”
March for Life was founded in October 1973 when a group of 30 pro-life leaders gathers in Nellie Gray’s home in Washington, D.C. to discuss how to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The first March for Life walk on Washington to lobby Congressional leadership to find a legislative solution to the Supreme Court’s decision occurred in 1974. Soon after realizing congressional protection of the unborn was not on the horizon, Nellie Gray decided to hold a March for Life every year until Roe v. Wade is overturned.
In October 2020, Poland’s President threw his support behind pro-life groups. 48 year-old Andrzej Duda took part in Poland’s annual march, despite a broadening group of Polish people who believe women have the right to govern their own bodies.
For the 15th time, the March for Life and Family passed through the streets of Warsaw in Poland. Supporters of the family value marched under the slogan “let’s defend families together”.
