In Washington, President Donald Trump has expressed his commitment to supporting anti-abortion activists as they convened for the annual March for Life. In a pre-recorded video message, he proclaimed, “We will again stand proudly for families and for life.”
For decades, protesters have gathered in the capital to advocate for the repeal of Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision that established a constitutional right to abortion. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe in 2022, the focus has shifted for these activists, who now feel emboldened with Trump’s potential return and a Republican-controlled Congress. They aim to expand upon their recent successes.
Vice President JD Vance addressed the demonstrators in person, asserting, “Our country faces the return of the most pro-family, most pro-life American president of our lifetimes.” He praised Trump’s past efforts regarding abortion access, noting that the former president “delivered on his promise of ending Roe” and made significant appointments of anti-abortion judges.
While abortion was not a focal point of Trump’s early executive actions, he has already begun implementing measures that align with his anti-abortion stance. This includes enforcing the Hyde Amendment, which limits federal funding for most abortions, and reinstating a policy mandating foreign NGOs to confirm they do not provide or promote abortion in order to receive U.S. family planning funds. This policy has been reinstated by Republican leaders for over 40 years, only to be reversed by Democratic presidents.
Additionally, Trump granted pardons to several pro-life activists and included language relating to fetal personhood in an executive order aimed at retracting protections for transgender individuals. Despite chilly weather, the event was exuberant, with participants donning colorful hats and carrying signs adorned with slogans like “Life is our revolution” and “MAGA: Make Abortion Gone Again.”
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America organization, remarked, “This is a significant moment in history. Yes, we have a march every year, but this one is pretty special… There is a trifecta of pro-life Republicans in the White House and the House and the Senate.”
Kicking off her fourth March for Life, Kristen Cooper, a member of Students for Life America, shared her excitement about participating under a Republican administration. “It’s surreal, actually,” she expressed. Anna Henderson, a Catholic high school teacher from Michigan, also joined her students for their fourth march, emphasizing that having government support doesn’t mark the end of the fight. “We still need to change people’s hearts,” she said.
Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, highlighted ongoing efforts, calling for Trump to defund Planned Parenthood and implement support for women facing unexpected pregnancies, such as providing paid family leave. “The march now ends on the backside of the U.S. Capitol to remind our representatives that abortion is not only a state issue, but also a local issue and a federal issue,” she asserted.
Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications for Planned Parenthood Action Fund, criticized the event, stating, “We know exactly what is at risk and we know the hate and lies they will spew at the March for Life.” The ongoing battle over abortion access since the 2022 Supreme Court ruling has frequently shifted to state courts and ballot initiatives, with voters in seven states recently approving measures that enhance reproductive freedoms.
At the March for Life, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remarked on the recent defeat of an abortion rights amendment, boasting about his involvement in the campaign against it. He emphasized the difficulty of passing such amendments in Florida, where a 60% majority is needed, unlike most states that require a simple majority. “Most elected officials will say ‘Look, what’s on the ballot is not their issue — the people can decide,’” DeSantis told the audience. “And they wash their hands of it and walk away.”
Conversely, advocates for abortion rights voiced their concerns. Ryan Stitzlein, vice president of Reproductive Freedom for All, criticized anti-abortion activists, stating that despite vote claims during campaigns, their true intentions to undermine abortion access become clear at events like the March for Life. “Each time one of these has taken place since the Dobbs decision, it’s been a day to reflect on how much damage that’s been caused by that decision and the crisis we continue to live in,” he said.
Finally, Ellie Smeal, founder and president of the Feminist Majority Foundation, announced plans for a counter-protest to highlight the support for abortion rights. “We want to remind people of the popularity of abortion rights and the importance of this issue, that women and men are supportive of people making their own reproductive health decisions,” Smeal noted.
