Thousands of pro-life Americans gathered in Washington on Friday where they marched in renewed hope for the unborn. The day before, President Donald Trump pardoned several men and women who had been convicted for pro-life activity.
On Friday (24 Jan.), tens of thousands of pro-life men and women gathered in Washington, D.C. for the March for Life, held annually since Roe v. Wade established a right to abortion in 1974.
“That historic wrong was set right three years ago. I was so proud to be a participant”, said President Trump in a pre-recorded message, referring to the repeal of Roe by the US Supreme Court in 2022.
Before the repeal, President Trump had placed conservative justices on the Supreme Court.
The day before Friday’s march, President Trump pardoned 23 pro-life activists who’d been convicted (and some jailed) during the Biden administration.
“They should not have been prosecuted”, Trump told reporters at the White House. “Many of them are elderly people… this is a great honour to sign this. They’ll be very happy.”
“I’m releasing the Christians and pro-life activists who were persecuted by the Biden regime for praying and living out their faith”, Trump continued in his broadcast at Friday’s march. “Never again will religious persecution be allowed to happen in America.”
Vice-President JD Vance attended the event in person, and he addressed the crowd, stating: “No longer will our government throw pro-life protesters and activists – elderly, grandparents, or anybody else – in prison.”
Thousands marched passed famous landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the US Supreme Court and Capitol buildings. Marchers were in a buoyant mood, holding banners and chanting, “We love babies! Yes we do!”, “Life Wins”, and “Defund Planned Parenthood”.
Speakers at the event included Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and pro-life campaigner Lila Rose. SPUC staff, including CEO John Deighan, also attended the Washington march.
Many young students also attended. One such student, Elizabeth Peterson, said: “I’m marching because I think that babies have as much right to life as anyone else does, and that includes unborn children.”
“A shining example of what can be achieved”
Daniel Frampton, SPUC’s Editorial Officer, said: “The pro-life movement in the United States has much to celebrate, though challenges undoubtedly remain. While the repeal of Roe was a seismic moment, many hearts and minds have yet to be won. America remains divided on the issue of abortion.
“Still, it is hugely encouraging to see so many thousands of pro-lifers, many of them young adults, turning out in freezing weather to march for unborn children. The American pro-life movement stands as a shining example of what can be achieved by peaceful advocacy.
“There is a definite sense of wrongs being corrected in 2025, and a renewed sense of purpose following the return of President Trump to the White House. Of course, it remains to be seen what the real-world effects of his new administration will be for the unborn.
“The United States remains a beacon of liberty for the world. Pro-lifers in the UK can look to America for inspiration. As President Trump frees US citizens, including elderly grandmothers, Britain continues to convict pro-life activists for the ‘crime’ of praying silently in their heads.”
