Thousands of anti-abortion advocates are set to converge on Washington this Friday for the annual March for Life, aiming to harness the momentum following a series of significant victories while urging legislators to stay vigilant. After years of efforts to dismantle Roe v. Wade, the event’s organizers are now concentrating on ongoing battles at the state level regarding abortion rights.

Here’s an overview of what to expect at the 52nd March for Life:

What kind of turnout is anticipated?

Organizers project an attendance of around 150,000 participants, a number that past years of the March for Life have frequently seen. However, turnouts may be affected by to persistently severe winter conditions, which have previously forced major events, like President Trump’s inauguration, to relocate indoors. Additionally, the enthusiasm for the cause may wane a bit following the monumental June 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, a ruling that had long been perceived as safeguarding the right to abortion across the nation.

What is the focus post-Roe v. Wade?

In the wake of the Roe v. Wade reversal, activists are now directing their efforts toward various state-level conflicts over abortion rights. As has been traditional, the march will kick off with a rally at the National Mall and conclude near the area connecting the Capitol building with the Supreme Court. For many years, participants have directed their attention towards the court, but now the focal point shifts to the Capitol itself.

Kristan Hawkins, who leads Students for Life of America, emphasized that, despite the Supreme Court ruling, efforts to end abortion continue. “There’s no easy solution to stopping abortion,” she noted. “The march now concludes near the U.S. Capitol to remind our lawmakers that this is not solely a state concern; it’s also a local and federal issue.”

Looking ahead, Hawkins expressed hope that Trump would work to defund Planned Parenthood and concentrate on providing resources for women facing unplanned pregnancies, such as benefits for paid family leave and enhanced child tax credits.

What is Trump’s administration’s stance?

During the previous year’s election campaign, Trump left some ardent anti-abortion supporters dissatisfied by not endorsing a federal ban on abortion and opposing some of the more extreme state-level restrictions. Nevertheless, he has taken credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, owing to how his three Supreme Court nominees reshaped its balance.

This occasion serves as a celebratory moment for Trump, even though he was out of office when Roe v. Wade was overturned. Although he will not attend in person, he is expected to connect with attendees through a pre-recorded message, and Vice President JD Vance is slated to speak at the rally. In a wave of early actions this week, Trump has also pardoned several activists who were imprisoned for their protests against a Washington abortion clinic.

“This marks a pivotal moment in our history,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, who heads the national anti-abortion organization SBA Pro-Life America. “While the march is an annual event, this year holds special significance. We have just witnessed the first presidential election after the Dobbs decision and currently have a united front of pro-life Republicans in the White House, the House, and the Senate.”