The March for Life is an annual march around Washington D.C. to raise awareness and campaign for the unborn and end abortion. Thousands of people gather to support unborn babies and be a voice for the voiceless.
I recently had the privilege of going to the 2018 March for Life. It was an incredible experience. The amount of passion, and drive to save unborn babies was incredible. What was equally as exciting, however, was the atmosphere.
There was not rudeness, hatred, or contempt for each other, or for women who have had abortions or are considering them. Instead of a negative atmosphere, there was one of kindness, compassion, and love. The passion and intensity for the unborn were not fueled by hatred, but love.
The speakers spoke on the importance of loving on women who have and will consider abortions. That point was one that really got to me. It is so important for the girls and women that get pregnant to know that they have an option other than abortion. Pregnancy support centers are so important because they give those women and girls an option. When they receive judgment, and rudeness, however, instead of compassion, love, and support, they may feel cornered, and trapped.
To these women, abortion may seem like the best or only option. If we treat them the way they should be treated and help them, abortion won’t seem like the only choice.
Schools, men, women, children, even dogs, marched with signs, banners, and flyers to campaign for those who cannot campaign for themselves. However, there was some propaganda that was quite graphic and disturbing. It is great to be passionate about saving babies, and being “pro-life,” but not when it goes too far. Before arriving at the site where the program would start, there were huge signs, boards, and posters that were horribly graphic, disturbing, and morbid.
Banners read “abortion is baby sacrifice” with babies in the hands of Satan, pieces of baby parts on alters, and plenty of blood. I understand that the people who put that propaganda up are trying to make abortion real, and visual so people see how horrible it is, but that is no way to win the argument.
Pushing nauseating images in front of women considering an abortion isn’t the way to help, but showing them love through Jesus Christ, restoration, forgiveness, and compassion IS the way to help.
Once past the graphic imagery, the walk and ceremony were beautiful. People of all backgrounds and walks of life marched through D.C. to take a peaceful stand. The weather was beautiful and so was the atmosphere. With a theme of “Love Saves Lives” the people peacefully and respectfully raised awareness and support for women and their unborn children. Next year, if you have an opportunity to attend, I highly recommend it.
The encouragement you gain from seeing how many people support life is refreshing, and when you leave, you can leave knowing you were one of the thousands who will continue to support the right to life.