Proponents of stricter abortion laws have been gearing for a big push leading up to the primaries, which started yesterday in Iowa, and the general election in November. They were energized by the recent March for Life in Washington, D.C.
“We are really hoping that [Congress] overturns Roe v. Wade,” said Karen Tallsey, a lawyer with the Thomas More Society, a pro-life law firm based in Chicago. “We’re very happy with a lot of the things that the [Trump] administration has done so far to protect the unborn, such as putting [pro-life conservative] federal judges into the court system.”
Tallsey was among thousands of anti-abortion advocates who were in Washington on Jan. 24 for the yearly march. It has taken place since 1974, the year after the Supreme Court ruled in the Roe v. Wade decision that the U.S. Constitution’s privacy protection extends to a woman’s right to choose.
These demonstrators were focused on ensuring the reelection of President Trump, along with legislators who support the anti-abortion agenda.
“We are here trying to pass the law that will prohibit abortions after 20 weeks. Life is precious. We love Trump and we hope that he will win [in November],” said Yolanda D’aqila, who traveled from New Jersey to attend the march that took place within walking distance of the White House and U.S. Capitol.
The Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-abortion political action committee, is one group planning a large expenditure this political cycle — $52 million towards the reelection of the president and pro-life legislators.
Trump was the first sitting president to address the March for Life in person, telling the gathering that “unborn children have never had a stronger defender in the White House.” He also added that he “would veto any legislation that weakens pro-life policies or that encourages the destruction of human life.” Trump has in the past described himself as pro-choice.
March-goers braved the cold and said it was worth it to come to the nation’s capital and advocate for their cause.
“We’re here to say all lives matter,” said Tony Ricard, a priest at an all-boys Catholic school in New Orleans who brought several of his students to the march. “We’re here to testify to everybody that no matter who you are, whether it’s here in America or the other side, whichever wall they want to have, no matter who you are, you matter.”