Tens of thousands "March for Life" in Washington

Tens of thousands of pro-lifers marched to the American Supreme Court yesterday to mark the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalised abortion throughout the United States. The “March for Life” has been held every year since 1974, a year after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. It's consistently one of the largest protests of the year in Washington, although soggy, chilly conditions likely kept this year's numbers down a bit.

The demonstration is the focal point of a series of events intended to draw attention to the pro-life cause. The Catholic Church has routinely played a large part in the event, organising Masses, prayer vigils and rallies to support the effort.

The Archbishop of Washington D.C., Cardinal Donald Wuerl, con-celebrated Mass with many bishops and dozens of priests for a youth rally that drew thousands of young people. In his homily during the Mass, Monsignor Charles Pope urged the youth to celebrate life, despite what he called a “tragic crisis” in the country. He called to mind the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., that “darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. And hatred cannot drive out hatred, only love can do that.” He continued, “I want to add today, that death does not drive out death, only life can do that. And we’re here today to celebrate life… that human life is good! It’s sacred!”

This years March for Life also focussed on questions of religious liberty, after a decision last week by the administration of Barack Obama to force most employers – including Church institutions – to include sterilisation, abortifacients, and contraception in health care plans for employees. That decision was immediately denounced as “literally unconscionable” by Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Although Washington’s March for Life is the largest demonstration commemorating Roe v. Wade, it is not the only one. Large demonstrations take place throughout the United States, and have spread to other countries throughout the world.

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