The March for Life (MFL) marked its 45th anniversary this year in Washington D.C. The MFL was created in 1974 after the Supreme Court decision Roe vs Wade. The March on average had around 50,000 to 100,000 people attend on January 19th; it is held near the Washington Monument on Constitution Ave. with the march traveling towards the Capitol building.Chenoa Gentle

This year the march included federal speakers like Vice President Mike Pence, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, several members of Congress, and arguably the most influential President Donald Trump. The march was also accompanied by Pam Tebow, famous football player Tim Tebow’s mother.

Head of MFL Jeanne Mancini proclaimed this year theme for the march as “love saves lives,” which is mentioned in all of the main speakers sharing of their experiences. March for Life Twitter account tweeted-“We are the voice for the voiceless!”- and shared a video of attendants giving testimonies on why they are pro-life.

When asked why high school students are pro-life, Bob Jones High School junior Avery Beckham answered with, “Being pro-life is important to me because life is important to me. I value the dignity, respect, and the basic rights of all people no matter the race, color, or age. I [think] life is precious and deserves a right to pursue happiness.”

A junior at James Clemens High School, Maddie Harwell, said, “The March for Life is important [to me] because I feel that abortion is a huge problem that doesn’t get noticed enough. The March for Life gives the ability to make known to others what being pro-life is truly about and lets others [know] how big of a problem it is in our society.”

Chad Beibide

President Trump stated his joy to the crowd on a televised jumbotron streaming from the Rose Garden, stating, “I want to thank every person here today and all across the country who works with such bigs hearts and tireless devotion to make sure that parents have the care and support they need to choose life.”

Beckham also stated, “The march is important because it shows just how many people are out there to support those contemplating abortion… it’s marching and speaking up for those who can’t for themselves.”  

Vice President Pence reassured President Trump’s statement by saying, “My friends, life is winning in America because love saves lives. And know as you march for life that your compassion, your persistence, your activism, and your prayers are saving lives.”

On the other side of the political spectrum, Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa, president of New Wave Feminist, stated, “Often the march is stereotyped… And there’s actually a ton of people who come from different backgrounds.A lot of times they don’t feel like they have a place in the pro-life movement. This is a group of non-traditional pro-lifers.To me, this is a human rights issue, And it’s not something that should be tied to the GOP or one religious institution.”

Home-schooled senior Connor Choate said, “No it’s not just a religious issue it is a human issue.”  In a different way, Bob Jones High School sophomore, Ella Neal, stated, “I’m not super educated on the topic, but I don’t like anyone dying, and I know that [is childish]. I know death hurts everyone.”