The History and Importance of the March for Life event
Every year, on or around January 22, large crowds of Americans gather in Washington DC to participate in the March for Life rally, the largest and most influential pro life event in the world. The march is a peaceful and powerful declaration that human life begins at conception and that the unborn deserve the same dignity and right to life given to every human life.
The March for Life was founded in 1974, one year after the Supreme Court legalized abortion nationwide in the infamous Roe v Wade case. A group of pro life activists came together in Nellie Gray’s home in Washington DC to discuss how to commemorate the one year anniversary of the unfortunate Supreme Court Decision. When it became clear that getting the US Congress to protect the unborn was going to be almost impossible, Ms Gray and the other pro-life leaders organized the first march in the Capitol, drawing thousands of participants from across the country.
Nellie Gray was a lawyer and former federal government employee who retired from professional life to become an anti-abortion activist. She is credited with popularizing the term “Pro-Life”. Ms Gray, who was a Catholic Convert and a veteran of World War II, became the President of March for Life and dedicated the rest of her life to the cause. She envisioned the march as a way to educate the public, mobilize the pro-life movement, and influence the lawmakers and courts to find a way to restore legal protection to the unborn. She also formulated the Life Principles, a set of pro-life beliefs and goals that guide the march and its participants.
Since its inception, the March for Life has grown exponentially in size and scope. Despite the challenges of weather, distance and opposition, the march has attracted more and more people every year. An estimated 650,000 people attended the 2013 March for Life event, to commemorate and highlight the 40th anniversary of Roe v Wade. The march has also become more diverse and inclusive, representing people of different ages, races, religions and backgrounds… all united by their commitment to life.
Beyond the annual rally, March for Life has expanded its activities and programs. It now hosts a series of events around the march, such as the Rose Dinner, the Youth Rally, the Expo and the Law of Life Summit. It also engages in year round advocacy, education, and outreach efforts through social media and partnerships with other pro-life organizations.
As a result, the March for Life has had a significant impact on the pro-life movement and culture at large. It has inspired and empowered millions of pro-life Americans to stand up for their convictions and to take action in their communities, schools, workplaces and churches. It has also raised awareness and generated media attention to the reality and injustice of abortion and its harmful effects on women, men, families and society.
The March for Life has also influenced the political and legal landscape of the country. It has been a platform for pro-life leaders, speakers and celebrities to share their testimonies, insights, and messages of hope and healing. It has also been a venue for Presidents, Vice Presidents and Members of Congress to express their support and commitment to the pro-life cause. It has also been a catalyst for legislative and judicial changes that aim to protect and defend the right to life for the unborn.
The March for Life is more than just an event. It is a movement, a mission and a legacy. The March for Life is not only held in Washington DC, but in other locations across the United States and around the World. It is a challenge to the culture of death and a call to the culture of life. It is a reminder of the truth that every life is a gift and that every person (even the unborn) is precious because they have been made in the image and likeness of God.
