Today's 43rd annual, national March for Life was still held on the U.S. National Mall in Washington, D.C., despite the large winter storm moving in (Jan. 22). Snow visibly accumulated on the people being interviewed in the event's live stream, as the march went on. The 2016 theme is "Pro-Life and Pro-Woman Go Hand in Hand."
An estimated 60 million American babies have died through "legalized" abortion.
Speakers included: Carly Fiorina, Pro-Life Businesswoman; Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA); Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ); State Senator Katrina Jackson (D-LA); Matt Birk; former Baltimore Ravens player and Super Bowl Champion; Sue Ellen Browder; Author, Subverted; Jim Daly; President, Focus on the Family; Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, Susan B. Anthony List; Dr. Marguerite Duane, MD; Cofounder and Executive Director, FACTS; Jewels Green; Silent No More campaign; Nathan Grime; Student, Concordia Lutheran High School; His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos, Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops; and Dr. Russell Moore, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.
Previous marches also held on the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, have overcome rain, snow and sub-freezing temperatures.
"The peaceful demonstration that has followed on this somber anniversary every year since [1973] is a witness to the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, abortion," reads a statement on the March for Life website.
Southern Baptist preschool teacher Lauren Brown told an Examiner reporter, "This is an issue that is worth walking in a blizzard for. I feel like every life is worth something. We're all made in the image of God. All lives are worth fighting for, so all lives are worth walking for."
Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life, "We are very concerned for people's safety and want everyone to be cautious. However, the pro-life community is also concerned for the safety and well-being of the innocent, unborn in the womb."
Mancini told Christian News, "This movement to end abortion in this country is bigger than us and it is bigger than a weather event. This is a cause that is worth our best efforts and dedication, despite difficult circumstances. We asked participants to use their best judgment as to whether they should come in person or watch on TV."
During 2016, Supreme Court judges have agreed to hear a new case out of Texas that challenges safety regulations for abortion facilities, including the requirement that abortionists have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the facility, and that facilities be held to the same standards as surgical centers. Christian News indicated a ruling is expected in June.
