Category Archives: March For Life

There are moments in life when you know you are witnessing history unfold.  My first such recollection was 34 years ago today.  I recall vividly when my elementary school principal came over the intercom and told us the Space Shuttle Challenger had exploded just after takeoff.  A few years later, I watched Operation Desert Storm unfold from the T.V. in my living room.  And, of course, none of us will forget watching the twin towers fall on 9-11.

It’s more difficult to recall positive history-making moments of my lifetime, but as of last Friday, there is one such event I am certain never to forget: when President Donald J. Trump addressed the national March for Life rally in Washington, D.C.

On Jan. 24, 2020, President Trump became the first sitting U.S. president ever to deliver a speech at the March for Life.  And to my amazement, I stood beside him.  More specifically, I was one of 19 women asked to stand with the president as he delivered his historic speech to the 47^th annual March for Life.

This year’s march honored the 19^th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote in 1920.  Many suffragist leaders were pro-life; they did not believe abortion to be beneficial to women.  These women included Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul, who considered abortion the “ultimate exploitation of women.” It was humbling to remember these courageous female pioneers as I stood there — women who would no doubt smile and cheer at the sight of their sisters standing on that stage.

As I stood feet from the president, overlooking tens of thousands of pro-life men, women and children (estimates are 60,000 to 70,000 attended the rally, and a total of 350,000 joined the march itself), I was overwhelmed.  I couldn’t see the end of the crowd, nor could I imagine the end to what this would mean to pro-life Americans.  To say the president’s speech galvanized the pro-life community would be an understatement.  It electrified us, gave us a shot in the arm unlike any other pro-life address could.

President Trump encouraged us with statements including “Young people are the heart of the March for Life — and it is your generation that is making America a pro-family, pro-life nation,” and made powerful declarations like “Unborn children have never had a stronger defender in the White House.”  I personally appreciated his words to women and mothers: “Today, millions of extraordinary women across America are using the power of their votes to fight for the first right in the Declaration of Independence — the Right to Life,” and “To all of the moms here today: we celebrate you and we declare that mothers are heroes.”

Undergirding his strong rhetoric were many examples of his commitment to pro-life policies.  President Trump recounted his Executive Order to reinstate and expand the Mexico City Policy, his support of the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, his commitment to veto anti-life legislation, to protect faith-based adoption agencies and the rights of pro-life college students to speak freely.  One of the loudest applause lines came when he recalled his appointment of 187 federal judges, including two Supreme Court justices.

The president did not simply “give a pro-life speech.”  He delivered one of — if not the — strongest pro-life speeches I’ve ever heard.  Moreover, his speech was God-honoring, including lines like “When we see the image of a baby in the womb, we glimpse the majesty of God’s creation,” and reminding us of Psalm 139, that “each person is wonderfully made.”  Perhaps strongest of all was his concluding remark: “Every human soul is divine, and every human life — born and unborn — is made in the holy image of Almighty God.”

On the slight chance that this article makes it to the president, I would like him to know how profoundly grateful I was, and will always be, to have stood with him as he boldly and unashamedly proclaimed the unalienable right to life and the inherent dignity and value of every human life.  It was an honor I will never forget, and a historic moment for which millions of Americans will forever be thankful.

About the Author

Amanda Banks serves as the Director of External Relations for the Family Policy Alliance. 

The post My View From the March for Life appeared first on March for Life.

There are moments in life when you know you are witnessing history unfold.  My first such recollection was 34 years ago today.  I recall vividly when my elementary school principal came over the intercom and told us the Space Shuttle Challenger had exploded just after takeoff.  A few years later, I watched Operation Desert Storm unfold from the T.V. in my living room.  And, of course, none of us will forget watching the twin towers fall on 9-11.

It’s more difficult to recall positive history-making moments of my lifetime, but as of last Friday, there is one such event I am certain never to forget: when President Donald J. Trump addressed the national March for Life rally in Washington, D.C.

On Jan. 24, 2020, President Trump became the first sitting U.S. president ever to deliver a speech at the March for Life.  And to my amazement, I stood beside him.  More specifically, I was one of 19 women asked to stand with the president as he delivered his historic speech to the 47^th annual March for Life.

This year’s march honored the 19^th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote in 1920.  Many suffragist leaders were pro-life; they did not believe abortion to be beneficial to women.  These women included Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul, who considered abortion the “ultimate exploitation of women.” It was humbling to remember these courageous female pioneers as I stood there — women who would no doubt smile and cheer at the sight of their sisters standing on that stage.

As I stood feet from the president, overlooking tens of thousands of pro-life men, women and children (estimates are 60,000 to 70,000 attended the rally, and a total of 350,000 joined the march itself), I was overwhelmed.  I couldn’t see the end of the crowd, nor could I imagine the end to what this would mean to pro-life Americans.  To say the president’s speech galvanized the pro-life community would be an understatement.  It electrified us, gave us a shot in the arm unlike any other pro-life address could.

President Trump encouraged us with statements including “Young people are the heart of the March for Life — and it is your generation that is making America a pro-family, pro-life nation,” and made powerful declarations like “Unborn children have never had a stronger defender in the White House.”  I personally appreciated his words to women and mothers: “Today, millions of extraordinary women across America are using the power of their votes to fight for the first right in the Declaration of Independence — the Right to Life,” and “To all of the moms here today: we celebrate you and we declare that mothers are heroes.”

Undergirding his strong rhetoric were many examples of his commitment to pro-life policies.  President Trump recounted his Executive Order to reinstate and expand the Mexico City Policy, his support of the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, his commitment to veto anti-life legislation, to protect faith-based adoption agencies and the rights of pro-life college students to speak freely.  One of the loudest applause lines came when he recalled his appointment of 187 federal judges, including two Supreme Court justices.

The president did not simply “give a pro-life speech.”  He delivered one of — if not the — strongest pro-life speeches I’ve ever heard.  Moreover, his speech was God-honoring, including lines like “When we see the image of a baby in the womb, we glimpse the majesty of God’s creation,” and reminding us of Psalm 139, that “each person is wonderfully made.”  Perhaps strongest of all was his concluding remark: “Every human soul is divine, and every human life — born and unborn — is made in the holy image of Almighty God.”

On the slight chance that this article makes it to the president, I would like him to know how profoundly grateful I was, and will always be, to have stood with him as he boldly and unashamedly proclaimed the unalienable right to life and the inherent dignity and value of every human life.  It was an honor I will never forget, and a historic moment for which millions of Americans will forever be thankful.

About the Author

Amanda Banks serves as the Director of External Relations for the Family Policy Alliance. 

The post My View From the March for Life appeared first on March for Life.

Below is a statement from March for Life President, Jeanne Mancini, regarding today’s announcement that President Trump with address the 47^th annual March for Life in person:

We are deeply honored to welcome President Trump to the 47^th annual March for Life. He will be the first president in history to attend and we are so excited for him to experience in person how passionate our marchers are about life and protecting the unborn. From the appointment of pro-life judges and federal workers, to cutting taxpayer funding for abortions here and abroad, to calling for an end to late-term abortions, President Trump and his Administration have been consistent champions for life and their support for the March for Life has been unwavering. We are grateful for all these pro-life accomplishments and look forward to gaining more victories for life in the future.

– Jeanne Mancini, President of March for Life –

The post March for Life Announces President Trump will Address the 47th Annual March for Life in Person appeared first on March for Life.

Below is a statement from March for Life President, Jeanne Mancini, regarding today’s announcement that President Trump with address the 47^th annual March for Life in person:

We are deeply honored to welcome President Trump to the 47^th annual March for Life. He will be the first president in history to attend and we are so excited for him to experience in person how passionate our marchers are about life and protecting the unborn. From the appointment of pro-life judges and federal workers, to cutting taxpayer funding for abortions here and abroad, to calling for an end to late-term abortions, President Trump and his Administration have been consistent champions for life and their support for the March for Life has been unwavering. We are grateful for all these pro-life accomplishments and look forward to gaining more victories for life in the future.

– Jeanne Mancini, President of March for Life –

The post March for Life Announces President Trump will Address the 47th Annual March for Life in Person appeared first on March for Life.

Below is a statement from March for Life President, Jeanne Mancini, regarding today’s announcement that President Trump with address the 47^th annual March for Life in person:

We are deeply honored to welcome President Trump to the 47^th annual March for Life. He will be the first president in history to attend and we are so excited for him to experience in person how passionate our marchers are about life and protecting the unborn. From the appointment of pro-life judges and federal workers, to cutting taxpayer funding for abortions here and abroad, to calling for an end to late-term abortions, President Trump and his Administration have been consistent champions for life and their support for the March for Life has been unwavering. We are grateful for all these pro-life accomplishments and look forward to gaining more victories for life in the future.

– Jeanne Mancini, President of March for Life –

The post March for Life Announces President Trump will Address the 47th Annual March for Life in Person appeared first on March for Life.

Every January since 1974, thousands upon thousands have made a pilgrimage to Washington D.C., sometimes in the frigid cold, to march against the abhorrent decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, to March for Life.

Our marching and our year-round advocacy for the unborn would not be possible without the generosity of many pro-life people from across the country. As we approach the 2020 March for Life on January 24^th, we’d like to recognize a March for Life benefactor whose life testifies to the power of embracing her personal mission in the battle for the right to life for the unborn and compassionate care for women, our friend Mary Ann St. Cloud.

Written below is a short biography of Mary Ann authored by her daughters Mary Pat and Antonia.

We hope her life inspires you to continue fighting for the unborn!

“Mary Ann St Cloud was a lifelong defender of the humanity, rights, and lives of the unborn. Even in her final years and illness her passion for the prolife cause never wavered.

When Mary Ann moved to the Sacramento area in the early 1970’s she and a small group of like-minded women began to meet to strategize ways to fight the pro-abortion laws and culture.  Various pro-life groups were in their founding stages at this time. These ladies formed a group called The Committee to Defend the Unborn. They would strategize on how they could be an effective voice. While these ladies were supporters of the early Sacramento Life Center and Sacramento Right to Life they were also their own pro-life voice. Knowing that their state was one of the first to legalize abortion six years before Roe v Wade, they became educated and knowledgeable of the legislative process; they wrote letters to legislators, stayed aware of pending legislation and were a presence at the state capital as bills came forward. They participated in demonstrations to be a presence to the general public. The committee periodically put out a newsletter. An edition always went out during an election season with information about the candidates so voters would be informed.  The group also corresponded with local spiritual leaders and pastors to keep the pro-life cause alive in the nearby religious communities. Through all these endeavors Mary Ann was involved from the very beginning and at the forefront.  As other pro-life organizations grew and expanded their influence and services, committee members became volunteers for these groups while carrying on their personal missions.

Mary Ann was always proud and forthright about her pro-life support. She was never defensive or apologetic for her views and activism. She instilled this passion in her two daughters who are actively pro-life; including one who has been active for over forty years in a myriad of pro-life activities and is now an officer and board member of the Sacramento Life Center. (The SLC founded in 1972, was the fourth of now 3,000 pregnancy medical clinics established across the country starting as a resource center working out of a member’s home.)

Mary Ann was a great admirer of Nellie Gray.  She was impressed with her eloquence, commitment and ability to bring about a national voice for the unborn. She was thrilled with the growth of the March for Life into the remarkable organization that it is today. She appreciated the importance of this national voice and assemblage recognizing the importance of all our communities coming together as one great voice for the defenseless unborn. The National March for Life has a proven record that inspired confidence in Mary Ann. It was no surprise to the family that Mary Ann chose the National March for Life to be a benefactor of her trust.

Mary Ann Taylor was born in Sacramento on July 2, 1932. Mary Ann graduated from St Francis High School and went on to Stanford University where she met Charles Martell. After she graduated, they were married in 1954. Mary Ann was widowed in 1969 and raised her two daughters alone until she remarried in 1979. She passed away on February 18, 2019.”

The pro-life movement continues to save lives because of thousands, like Mary Ann, who confidently say “yes” to their own unique, unrepeatable mission to uphold the inherent dignity of life. Thank you, Mary Ann St. Cloud, for your generosity to the pro-life movement and to the March for Life!

The post Remembering a Pro-life Heroine: Mary Ann St. Cloud appeared first on March for Life.

Every January since 1974, thousands upon thousands have made a pilgrimage to Washington D.C., sometimes in the frigid cold, to march against the abhorrent decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, to March for Life.

Our marching and our year-round advocacy for the unborn would not be possible without the generosity of many pro-life people from across the country. As we approach the 2020 March for Life on January 24^th, we’d like to recognize a March for Life benefactor whose life testifies to the power of embracing her personal mission in the battle for the right to life for the unborn and compassionate care for women, our friend Mary Ann St. Cloud.

Written below is a short biography of Mary Ann authored by her daughters Mary Pat and Antonia.

We hope her life inspires you to continue fighting for the unborn!

“Mary Ann St Cloud was a lifelong defender of the humanity, rights, and lives of the unborn. Even in her final years and illness her passion for the prolife cause never wavered.

When Mary Ann moved to the Sacramento area in the early 1970’s she and a small group of like-minded women began to meet to strategize ways to fight the pro-abortion laws and culture.  Various pro-life groups were in their founding stages at this time. These ladies formed a group called The Committee to Defend the Unborn. They would strategize on how they could be an effective voice. While these ladies were supporters of the early Sacramento Life Center and Sacramento Right to Life they were also their own pro-life voice. Knowing that their state was one of the first to legalize abortion six years before Roe v Wade, they became educated and knowledgeable of the legislative process; they wrote letters to legislators, stayed aware of pending legislation and were a presence at the state capital as bills came forward. They participated in demonstrations to be a presence to the general public. The committee periodically put out a newsletter. An edition always went out during an election season with information about the candidates so voters would be informed.  The group also corresponded with local spiritual leaders and pastors to keep the pro-life cause alive in the nearby religious communities. Through all these endeavors Mary Ann was involved from the very beginning and at the forefront.  As other pro-life organizations grew and expanded their influence and services, committee members became volunteers for these groups while carrying on their personal missions.

Mary Ann was always proud and forthright about her pro-life support. She was never defensive or apologetic for her views and activism. She instilled this passion in her two daughters who are actively pro-life; including one who has been active for over forty years in a myriad of pro-life activities and is now an officer and board member of the Sacramento Life Center. (The SLC founded in 1972, was the fourth of now 3,000 pregnancy medical clinics established across the country starting as a resource center working out of a member’s home.)

Mary Ann was a great admirer of Nellie Gray.  She was impressed with her eloquence, commitment and ability to bring about a national voice for the unborn. She was thrilled with the growth of the March for Life into the remarkable organization that it is today. She appreciated the importance of this national voice and assemblage recognizing the importance of all our communities coming together as one great voice for the defenseless unborn. The National March for Life has a proven record that inspired confidence in Mary Ann. It was no surprise to the family that Mary Ann chose the National March for Life to be a benefactor of her trust.

Mary Ann Taylor was born in Sacramento on July 2, 1932. Mary Ann graduated from St Francis High School and went on to Stanford University where she met Charles Martell. After she graduated, they were married in 1954. Mary Ann was widowed in 1969 and raised her two daughters alone until she remarried in 1979. She passed away on February 18, 2019.”

The pro-life movement continues to save lives because of thousands, like Mary Ann, who confidently say “yes” to their own unique, unrepeatable mission to uphold the inherent dignity of life. Thank you, Mary Ann St. Cloud, for your generosity to the pro-life movement and to the March for Life!

The post Remembering a Pro-life Heroine: Mary Ann St. Cloud appeared first on March for Life.

Every January since 1974, thousands upon thousands have made a pilgrimage to Washington D.C., sometimes in the frigid cold, to march against the abhorrent decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, to March for Life.

Our marching and our year-round advocacy for the unborn would not be possible without the generosity of many pro-life people from across the country. As we approach the 2020 March for Life on January 24^th, we’d like to recognize a March for Life benefactor whose life testifies to the power of embracing her personal mission in the battle for the right to life for the unborn and compassionate care for women, our friend Mary Ann St. Cloud.

Written below is a short biography of Mary Ann authored by her daughters Mary Pat and Antonia.

We hope her life inspires you to continue fighting for the unborn!

“Mary Ann St Cloud was a lifelong defender of the humanity, rights, and lives of the unborn. Even in her final years and illness her passion for the prolife cause never wavered.

When Mary Ann moved to the Sacramento area in the early 1970’s she and a small group of like-minded women began to meet to strategize ways to fight the pro-abortion laws and culture.  Various pro-life groups were in their founding stages at this time. These ladies formed a group called The Committee to Defend the Unborn. They would strategize on how they could be an effective voice. While these ladies were supporters of the early Sacramento Life Center and Sacramento Right to Life they were also their own pro-life voice. Knowing that their state was one of the first to legalize abortion six years before Roe v Wade, they became educated and knowledgeable of the legislative process; they wrote letters to legislators, stayed aware of pending legislation and were a presence at the state capital as bills came forward. They participated in demonstrations to be a presence to the general public. The committee periodically put out a newsletter. An edition always went out during an election season with information about the candidates so voters would be informed.  The group also corresponded with local spiritual leaders and pastors to keep the pro-life cause alive in the nearby religious communities. Through all these endeavors Mary Ann was involved from the very beginning and at the forefront.  As other pro-life organizations grew and expanded their influence and services, committee members became volunteers for these groups while carrying on their personal missions.

Mary Ann was always proud and forthright about her pro-life support. She was never defensive or apologetic for her views and activism. She instilled this passion in her two daughters who are actively pro-life; including one who has been active for over forty years in a myriad of pro-life activities and is now an officer and board member of the Sacramento Life Center. (The SLC founded in 1972, was the fourth of now 3,000 pregnancy medical clinics established across the country starting as a resource center working out of a member’s home.)

Mary Ann was a great admirer of Nellie Gray.  She was impressed with her eloquence, commitment and ability to bring about a national voice for the unborn. She was thrilled with the growth of the March for Life into the remarkable organization that it is today. She appreciated the importance of this national voice and assemblage recognizing the importance of all our communities coming together as one great voice for the defenseless unborn. The National March for Life has a proven record that inspired confidence in Mary Ann. It was no surprise to the family that Mary Ann chose the National March for Life to be a benefactor of her trust.

Mary Ann Taylor was born in Sacramento on July 2, 1932. Mary Ann graduated from St Francis High School and went on to Stanford University where she met Charles Martell. After she graduated, they were married in 1954. Mary Ann was widowed in 1969 and raised her two daughters alone until she remarried in 1979. She passed away on February 18, 2019.”

The pro-life movement continues to save lives because of thousands, like Mary Ann, who confidently say “yes” to their own unique, unrepeatable mission to uphold the inherent dignity of life. Thank you, Mary Ann St. Cloud, for your generosity to the pro-life movement and to the March for Life!

The post Remembering a Pro-life Heroine: Mary Ann St. Cloud appeared first on March for Life.

Every January since 1974, thousands upon thousands have made a pilgrimage to Washington D.C., sometimes in the frigid cold, to march against the abhorrent decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, to March for Life.

Our marching and our year-round advocacy for the unborn would not be possible without the generosity of many pro-life people from across the country. As we approach the 2020 March for Life on January 24^th, we’d like to recognize a March for Life benefactor whose life testifies to the power of embracing her personal mission in the battle for the right to life for the unborn and compassionate care for women, our friend Mary Ann St. Cloud.

Written below is a short biography of Mary Ann authored by her daughters Mary Pat and Antonia.

We hope her life inspires you to continue fighting for the unborn!

“Mary Ann St Cloud was a lifelong defender of the humanity, rights, and lives of the unborn. Even in her final years and illness her passion for the prolife cause never wavered.

When Mary Ann moved to the Sacramento area in the early 1970’s she and a small group of like-minded women began to meet to strategize ways to fight the pro-abortion laws and culture.  Various pro-life groups were in their founding stages at this time. These ladies formed a group called The Committee to Defend the Unborn. They would strategize on how they could be an effective voice. While these ladies were supporters of the early Sacramento Life Center and Sacramento Right to Life they were also their own pro-life voice. Knowing that their state was one of the first to legalize abortion six years before Roe v Wade, they became educated and knowledgeable of the legislative process; they wrote letters to legislators, stayed aware of pending legislation and were a presence at the state capital as bills came forward. They participated in demonstrations to be a presence to the general public. The committee periodically put out a newsletter. An edition always went out during an election season with information about the candidates so voters would be informed.  The group also corresponded with local spiritual leaders and pastors to keep the pro-life cause alive in the nearby religious communities. Through all these endeavors Mary Ann was involved from the very beginning and at the forefront.  As other pro-life organizations grew and expanded their influence and services, committee members became volunteers for these groups while carrying on their personal missions.

Mary Ann was always proud and forthright about her pro-life support. She was never defensive or apologetic for her views and activism. She instilled this passion in her two daughters who are actively pro-life; including one who has been active for over forty years in a myriad of pro-life activities and is now an officer and board member of the Sacramento Life Center. (The SLC founded in 1972, was the fourth of now 3,000 pregnancy medical clinics established across the country starting as a resource center working out of a member’s home.)

Mary Ann was a great admirer of Nellie Gray.  She was impressed with her eloquence, commitment and ability to bring about a national voice for the unborn. She was thrilled with the growth of the March for Life into the remarkable organization that it is today. She appreciated the importance of this national voice and assemblage recognizing the importance of all our communities coming together as one great voice for the defenseless unborn. The National March for Life has a proven record that inspired confidence in Mary Ann. It was no surprise to the family that Mary Ann chose the National March for Life to be a benefactor of her trust.

Mary Ann Taylor was born in Sacramento on July 2, 1932. Mary Ann graduated from St Francis High School and went on to Stanford University where she met Charles Martell. After she graduated, they were married in 1954. Mary Ann was widowed in 1969 and raised her two daughters alone until she remarried in 1979. She passed away on February 18, 2019.”

The pro-life movement continues to save lives because of thousands, like Mary Ann, who confidently say “yes” to their own unique, unrepeatable mission to uphold the inherent dignity of life. Thank you, Mary Ann St. Cloud, for your generosity to the pro-life movement and to the March for Life!

The post Remembering a Pro-life Heroine: Mary Ann St. Cloud appeared first on March for Life.

Washington, D. C. – The March for Life Education and Defense Fund is excited to announce two additional speakers at the 47^th annual March for Life on January 24^th, 2020. The First Lady of Louisiana Donna Hutto Edwards and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) will be speaking at the March for Life Rally. First Lady of Louisiana Donna Hutto Edwards has been a strong supporter of the pro-life movement and, despite being advised to abort, chose life for her daughter after she was diagnosed with spina bifida in the womb. Rep. Scalise has been a staunch advocate for the sanctity of life in Congress, especially through his work on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. The theme for this year’s March for Life is Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro-Woman.

We are honored to have the First Lady of Louisiana and Rep. Steve Scalise speaking at this year’s March for Life,” said Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life. “Both First Lady Edwards and Rep. Scalise are inspiring pro-life advocates whose work and personal experiences speak to the dignity of every life.

Additional speakers at the March for Life Rally include:    

• Jim Daly – President, Focus on the Family
• Marjorie Dannenfelser – President, Susan B. Anthony List
• Elisa Martinez – Founder, New Mexico Alliance for Life
• David Platt – Pastor, McLean Bible Church
• His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia
• State Senator Katrina Jackson (D-LA)
• Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ)
• Melissa Ohden, survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion
• Claire Culwell, survivor of a failed surgical abortion

Space is limited in the media tent and RSVPs are required. To RSVP, please email Matille Thebolt (mthebolt@crcpublicrelations.com), Bridget Hobbs (bhobbs@crcstrategies.com), or Emily Degnan (edegnan@crcpublicrelations.com).

The post March for Life Announces Additional Speakers for the 47th Annual March for Life appeared first on March for Life.