" I didn't survive so I could make people comfortable — I survived so I could stir things up a bit," Gianna Jessen, abortion survivor and pro-life advocate during a speech at Queen's Hall Parliament House in Australia. The movie and book, "October Baby," centers on her life.

In a world country where women fought for pro-choice rights during the Women's March on Washington, the world's largest pro-life demonstration, the 44th annual March for Life, occurred at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Jan. 27 to advocate help save lives of unborn babies. The march happens each January, the anniversary month of legalized abortion in the United States during the Sanctity of Life week that begins Jan. 17, which other organizations also participate in. March for Life's website states that their mission is to preserve human dignity by communicating their message to the media and government each year through this event.

"The mission of the March for Life is to provide all Americans with a place to testify to the beauty of life and the dignity of each human person. Both in January, on the anniversary of legalized abortion in the US, and throughout the year we bring together pro-life leaders and groups to organize, unite and strategize around a common message, and to communicate this message to the government, the media and the nation in a way that is powerful and life affirming." - March for life mission statement.

National march

This year's theme was "The Power of One," drawn from the following J.R.R Tolkien quote.

“Even the smallest person can change the course of history.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

March for Life states that an individual difference by touching one or many different lives and can gather with others to change the hearts and minds, building a culture of life. On the page describing this theme, the organization provides a fillable form for anyone who wants to tell their story, which they may share on social media pages.

The organization held a conference on Jan. 26, the day before the march. The first session began early that morning with Ryan Scott Bombeger from the Radiance Foundation. A panel discussion moderated by Kathryn Jean Lopez followed with speakers Sylvia Slifko from ICU Mobile, Embrace Grace founder Amy Ford, Talk About Adoption founder Callie Jett,and Dr. Jeff Pauls from the Vitae Foundation.

March for Life states that they hold the march since all children have dignity and value despite the circumstances they are born into.

According to the organization's website, the first march occurred in 1974 as Members of Congress announced pro-life legislation and supported pro-life causes.It finished with a "Circle of Life" march around the Capitol and participants lobbying their Members of Congress.The original march leader and founder, Nellie Gray, decided to hold the march each year until Roe v. Wade was overturned.

The rally started on the Washington Monument grounds, then the official march commenced at Constitution Ave. and ended at the Supreme Court and Capitol Building.

"Silent No More" testimonies were given later that afternoon and attendees had the opportunity to visit their Senator or Representative to advocate for life.

About 2 million people live streamed the march from home. Watch the rally below.

Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the march and was the first US vice president to do so. Watch his speech below.

Pence spoke among other influential pro-life advocates, including White House Adviser Kellyanne Conway, ArchBishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Baltimore Ravens tight end Benjamin Watson, former Planned Parenthood Director and founder of ‘And Then There Were None’ Abby Johnson, Mexican Telenovela star Karyme Lozano, author and radio host Eric Metaxas, and Bishop Vincent Matthews of the Church of God in Christ, who advocates for adoption in the African-American community.

Republican Congresswoman Mia B. Love from Utah also spoke at the event. View her speech below.

March for Life provided general tips for attendees, such as knowing their transportation options and what type of weather to dress for. They also made student participation accessible and provided resources on their website, including an app. The March for Life Expo featured over 75 exhibitors. According to The Blaze, the University of Mary bused about 600 students to help lead the crowd in D.C.

Women, men and children held signs with pro-life statements, including "make womb for love," one with a picture of a fetus that read "Care for these little ones — be their voice," and "defend life." View more great signs here. Participants documented their experience all over social media through the hashtags #whywemarch, #marchforlife, #prolife, among others.

The day concluded with a Rose Dinner in the Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel, which featured keynote speaker Cardinal Dolan and the musical group Cardinal Jazz.

Local march in Los Angeles

March for Life includes local marches across the nation that partner with the organization, including OneLife LA, whose mission is to preserve human life from conception to death.

"The mission of OneLife LA is to unite communities and inspire positive action through an annual event that promotes the beauty and dignity of every human life from conception to natural death" - OneLife LA mission.

This march began in 2015 and occurs annually. It started in Downtown LA but was held in Exposition Park this year. Archdiocese of Los Angeles organized the event. Karyme Lozano and Chris Stefanick emceed the event while Jamie Grace and the West Angeles Mass Choir provided musical entertainment. The rally began shortly after noon and started at the Coliseum on Christmas Tree Lane at Exposition Park. OneLife LA also included a family-friendly festival and testimonies from local heroes. A requiem mass took place at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Many college students participated, including groups from UCLA and USC.

The event featured the following speakers: Immaculée Ilibagiz, Kirk Bloodsworth, Christopher Duffley, Patricia Heaton, Jamie Grace, Bishop Blake, Rosie Rivera, and Lianna Rebolledo. These speakers shared personal testimonies with the crowds.The march drew thousands from Los Angeles and other communities in Southern California. Discover more about marchers experiences.