HOUSTON (OSV News) - From East Coast to West Coast to Gulf Coast, Catholics around the U.S. were set to rally for life with promises to empower women facing unexpected pregnancies with the message that they are not alone, and that the pro-life movement is ready and waiting to help them choose life for their baby.
The March for Life, which calls itself the "largest annual human rights demonstration in the world," began in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, which once legalized abortion nationwide.
This year's event is the 51st March for Life and marks the second march since the Supreme Court overturned Roe in 2022.
In California, Catholics gathered in Los Angeles and San Francisco as two of the largest pro-life walks on the West Coast were set to mark milestone anniversaries Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. San Francisco's Walk for Life West Coast marks its 20th walk and Los Angeles' OneLife LA marks its 10th event.
In Austin, thousands, including groups from Houston's Bay Area and beyond, were expected to attend the Texas Rally for Life at the Texas State Capitol on Jan. 27.
At the nation's capitol in Washington, D.C., Bishop Earl K. Fernandes of Columbus, Ohio, called for a renewed commitment to "winning hearts and converting people more deeply to the love of Jesus Christ" in efforts to end abortion, support expectant mothers in need and protect life at all stages.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington is pictured in a nighttime file photo. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, is the main celebrant of the Mass opening the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 18, 2024, at the basilica. (OSV News photo/CNS file, Nancy Wiechec)
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, censes the altar during the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 18, 2024, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (OSV News photo/Gregory L. Tracy, The Pilot)
Pro-life advocates march during the OneLife LA rally Jan. 18, 2020, in Los Angeles. This year will mark the 10th OneLife LA celebration. (OSV News photo/CNS file, Victor Aleman, Angelus News)
Prelates and clergymen process during the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 18, 2024, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (OSV News photo/Mihoko Owada, Catholic Standard)
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, delivers the homily during the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 18, 2024, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (OSV News photo/Gregory L. Tracy, The Pilot)
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, raises the host during the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 18, 2024, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Also pictured are Boston Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley, and Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory. (OSV News photo/Mihoko Owada, Catholic Standard)
A young woman prays during the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 18, 2024, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (OSV News photo/Mihoko Owada, Catholic Standard)
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, carries the monstrance during the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 18, 2024, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (OSV News photo/Mihoko Owada, Catholic Standard)
Young people and other guests gather for Life Fest at the D.C. Armory in Washington Jan. 19, 2024, ahead of the annual March for Life. The event was organized and co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Sisters of Life. (OSV News photo/Jeffrey Bruno, Knights of Columbus)
Msgr. James O'Shea, president of the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., gives a reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament during Eucharistic adoration during Life Fest at the D.C. Armory in Washington Jan. 19, 2024, ahead of the annual March for Life. The event was organized and co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Sisters of Life. (OSV News photo/Jeffrey Bruno, Knights of Columbus)
Raisa, a mother who shared her testimony at Life Fest, smiles at one of her daughters in the arms of a member of the Sisters of Life during Life Fest at the D.C. Armory in Washington Jan. 19, 2024, ahead of the annual March for Life. Raisa was pursuing a music career when she learned she was pregnant with twins and turned to the Sisters of Life for help. She also performed a song she wrote called "Madre" at Life Fest. The event was organized and co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Sisters of Life. (OSV News photo/Paul Haring, Knights of Columbus)
