March For Life returns to Washington for first time since the end of Roe

WASHINGTON — Individuals who oppose abortion will collect in Washington, D.C. on Friday for the March for Life.

For 50 years, the march has taken place on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade determination, which legalized abortions nationwide.

The choice was overturned final 12 months, however those that oppose abortion nonetheless plan to march.

A NEW PURPOSE

Mark Herrington, an opponent of abortion and an activist with Created Equal, says his group remains to be energized.

“Roe could also be overturned, however it’s simply totally different now,” he stated.

Herrington will probably be among the many 1000’s marching on Friday. He believes the Supreme Court docket did not finish the talk on abortion when it overturned Roe. As an alternative, he says the dialog has simply developed.

This 12 months’s march will not go to the Supreme Court docket like earlier years. As an alternative, it is going to head to the Capitol, the place lawmakers on either side have debated the problem.

Democrats need abortion protections enshrined into federal regulation, whereas conservatives wish to advance new restrictions.

“There may be nonetheless a federal facet to this,” Herrington stated.

The truth, nevertheless, is the abortion battle over the following few years is extra prone to play out in state capitols than in Washington. State lawmakers have been profitable in passing and advancing payments regarding abortions.

State poll measures are anticipated as properly.

Herrington says opponents of abortion, like him, will use this week’s march to rally supporters, together with religion leaders, to assist defeat the anticipated poll measures.

Final 12 months, his facet misplaced elections in conservative states like Kansas and Montana.

“We’re going to must battle again and defeat these poll measures,” Herrington stated.

OPPONENTS QUESTION THE MARCH

For supporters of abortion rights, the March for Life has all the time been a tough week to course of.

“It is a difficult week,” Jaime Manson, the president of Catholics for Selection, stated.

She hopes folks understand simply how damaging the Supreme Court docket opinion has been for a lot of girls. 13 states now ban most abortions.

“Monumental struggling, particularly for girls, youngsters, households who’re already affected by different injustices,” Manson stated.

Manson had hoped the march would evolve this 12 months and deal with life points past abortion.

Her message to religion leaders attending is to help abortion rights.

“Pope Francis has stated abortion is a crucial challenge however it’s not the one challenge,” Manson stated.