I spent last weekend chatting with some of the young people at the 52nd annual National March for Life.
The energy on the National Mall spoke to marchers’ excitement about the Trump administration’s early support for life, including releasing 23 peaceful pro-life protesters from prison and enforcing a ban on tax dollars funding elective abortions.
With speakers like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Vice President J.D. Vance set to address the march, the people I interviewed also expressed excitement about the pro-life movement’s prospects in 2025.
They also had some ideas.
Here’s what I found out.
Many wanted to see more pro-life legislation on the books. Abby was one of several who wanted state officials to pass more heartbeat laws. Others told me they’d like to see a federal ban on abortion — though they’re unsure if it can be accomplished in a year.
“I’d like to see a federal abortion ban,” Jefferson told me. “I’m not sure how likely that is, but it’s really a culture shift we can work on.”
Margaret thinks the government needs to stop funding Planned Parenthood.
Margaret is asking the right questions. To read more about how weird Planned Parenthood really is, click here.
But most of the people I spoke to didn’t reference legislation at all. Instead, they hope the pro-life movement will focus on abortion prevention through education and supporting healthy families and communities.
“I think focusing on the family and community aspect is important,” Nathan explained. “We should show how building stronger communities [that support people in crisis pregnancies] prevent abortions rather than putting a Band-Aid on the problem.”
A big part of preventing abortions, they said, is making sure women with unexpected pregnancies know they can get support.
“We really need to let [women with unexpected pregnancies] know they are loved, and that, if they don’t have people that will support them, there are people that are willing to support absolute strangers because this matters so much,” Caleb said.
Matteo told me he knows pregnancy resource centers are out there, but that many of the women who need them don’t.
“Often, people will say they don’t have the resources to provide for a baby,” he expounded, “but there’s definitely people [and organizations] that can help. We need to get the word out.”
Maryella thinks the pro-life movement could benefit from teaching sex-ed in schools.
Several expressed how important it would be for secular leaders — not just church leaders — to teach about the dangers of promiscuity. They believe the pro-life movement should work toward promoting abstinence and sexual purity as a healthy way of life.
Jefferson has lots of hopes for the pro-life movement next year. He’s convinced social media is one of the best ways young people can help achieve those goals.
“Gen. Z is growing up in a tech age,” he enthused. “We know how to use all the technology, and it amplifies our voice more than older generations. We need to utilize that, use our voice on social media, and be loud.”
Young people’s next best secret weapon, Jefferson told me, is our persistence.
Full of energy and full of ideas, the pro-life youth are a force to be reckoned. 2025 won’t know what hit it.
The post Young People on Pro-Life Movement’s Future appeared first on Daily Citizen.
Daily Citizen