Yesterday an estimated 500,000 people marched for life in Washington DC. They braved the cold and snow to show their President and their country, that life is worth is protecting from the very first moment of conception. They marched for truth. They marched for justice. They marched for love.
Pope Benedict XVI tweeted a message to the participants
I join all those marching for life from afar, and pray that political leaders will protect the unborn and promote a culture of life.
Reference was made to the rising false compassion that exists in society and among medical professionals where abortion is offered to couples whose unborn child has been given an adverse diagnosis. Rick Santorum, who recently campaigned for the right to run against President Obama in the US elections, has a little girl, Bella who has Trisomy 18. Rick spoke with his wife
The response to this little girl and the struggles she was going through and who she was…was just amazing to us, and affirmed to us the goodness of the people in this country. We were encouraged to abort, because she would be saddled with disabilities and it would be better for her – but we all know death is never better. What it’s about is it would be easier for us. Bella is better for us, and we are better because of Bella.
Addressing those who are faced with the prospect of their child having a disability or life-limiting condition, Santorum said “give them a chance. Welcome them in to your home.”
The March for Life was a culmination of events, which included youth rallies, prayer vigils and a Vigil Mass. 40 years since Roe v Wade has seen a great number of young people – people who could have been aborted legally – join the tide of change which is sweeping America. Each year the numbers of youth steadily rise. This year was no exception. It is reported that 30,000 attended youth rallies.
One of the most powerful (and there were many) statements came from Rep. Chris Smith who spoke passionately, directing his speech to President Obama who at his inauguration last week spoke of caring for the most vulnerable
Know this Mr. President, we will never quit. In adversity our faith and trust in God is tested, but it also deepens and overcomes and forges an indomitable yet humble spirit.
Know this, the pro-life movement is comprised of noble, caring, smart and selfless people. It is an extraordinarily powerful, non-violent, faith-filled human rights struggle that is growing in public support, intensity, commitment and hope.
And know this Mr. President, the pro-life movement is not only on the side of compassion, justice, and inclusion; we are on the right side of responsible science and of history.
And Chris Smith is right. The truth will always prevail. The great cause for life will never be forgotten by future generations. One day, people will be marching in Washington DC celebrating the day that Roe v Wade is overturned and all people from the moment of conception will be given the right to life.