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Center for Catholic Education at UD

March for Life 2017

By Ben Swick

At this year’s annual March for Life, there was a sense of hope in the air; hope that change is coming in our government about the current laws on abortion. One thing I find very uplifting at the march is how many young people are present. There are so many high school and college-aged students fighting for our God-given right to life. It shows that we are the pro-life generation and we will continue to fight for these rights. Another reason for the hope in the air is that Vice President Mike Pence addressed the crowd saying the presidential office is behind us in our efforts. This was very encouraging to hear especially because of all that has been going on in our great nation. A vice president has never spoken at the March for Life in the 44 years since it started. This is the highest governmental position to speak at this event, which definitely raised our spirits.

Another beautiful thing about the March for Life is how peaceful it is. There were people praying, singing, dancing, and chanting positive and cheerful sayings. This year, for the first time in my four years of going, it seemed more like a celebration of life. So what does it mean to be pro-life and what are we really fighting for? Pro-life means fighting for life at all stages, from conception until natural death. This includes our fight to end abortion, euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, and the death penalty. This means at all stages of life, we have no right to end the life of another human. This march in particular focuses on abortion because it falls near the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. One common misconception about our fight to end abortion is that we as pro-lifers are not taking care of the women who carry the babies. In reality, pro-life means pro woman. We as Catholics are fighting to end abortion by offering healthier options for pregnant mothers through services such as the Women’s Care Center. This is an organization created out of South Bend, Indiana that offers support and answers for pregnant mothers. Another common argument is women should have the right to choose what happens to their body. This is also true, mothers and fathers should be able to have a choice, but the choice needs to happen before a human is involved. These choices need to be discussed early and often in a couple’s relationship before a child is conceived.

One particular sign that struck me at the march read, “I can’t believe we are still doing this.” How true is this statement! Why are we still fighting to stop the murder of babies? Why are we still fighting to give a voice to the voiceless? It seems ridiculous to think people would even be OK with the idea of an abortion! How inhumane to kill babies. Each person comes into the world with unique gifts, but 58 million gifted spirits never had the chance to become an inspirational teacher, a ground breaking scientist, a doctor who saves lives, or a political leader who brings peace to society. This is why I march. I march for mothers, fathers, children, and of course for the 58,586,256 aborted babies since Roe v. Wade. This is why the March for Life is not just about Catholicism, but a social justice issue that impacts all human beings.

Edited by: Tori Schoen and Barb Miller

 
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