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A tale of two marches on this, the 47th Annual March for Life
March for Life
Today is the 47th annual March for Life in Washington. The theme, “Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro-Woman” notes the position of women’s suffrage, two in particular, Alice Paul and Susan B. Anthony, both staunchly against abortion. Organizers note the 30 million female babies that have been aborted since the 1973 court rulings.
In the past, marches have taken place in blizzards, in the midst of government shutdowns, with no public transportation, etc. But the numbers have only grown.
The March for Life calls itself “the world’s largest human rights demonstration” and the “world’s largest pro-life event”. The march notes the ultimate goal has moved beyond pro-life interests, and now seeks to “change hearts and minds”.
The cause is also embracing feminism concepts, noting that “abortion is the opposite of empowerment”, and “the unique power of a woman is to be a mother”. This focus is attracting a demographic of younger women and supporters in recent years. Today’s event will mark the first time a sitting president has spoken at the march, expected to draw 100,000 participants in D.C. Buses organized by the Diocese of Providence will be going to D.C.
The Women’s March
The Women’s March, only three years old, with the first being held in the inauguration year of President Donald Trump, has dwindled in its numbers, to less than 10,000, at this year’s event. It has also been “battered by controversies and fractured by infighting”, including arguments over symbols and logos, and reaching charges of anti-Semitism.
Known by the trademark “pink pussy hats” and celebrity speakers and endorsements, the march has drawn fewer numbers each year. There’s been a loss of leadership, and the cause fragmented to include climate change, and immigration as well as reproductive rights. Signs included phrases such as “Intersectional Education” and “Inclusive Structures”. March organizers said, “We rose up today to demand our elected officials step up and join us in building a just, bold vision for our country where climate justice, reproductive freedom, and immigrants’ rights are not up for debate. And it was powerful.”
In Rhode Island, over 175 people gathered in the cold on the steps of the Rhode Island State House. Other states continue to hold their events, but most have less in attendance than in previous years.