The fourth Pennsylvania March For Life is in the books. Here’s what some of our state lawmakers are saying about it:
- “It may have been wet, but it’s always a great day to rally for Life!” – PA State Rep. Rob Kauffman
- “It was an honor today to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the fourth annual Pennsylvania March for Life and offer a few words of support. Despite the rain, many people came to the Capitol to speak up for the rights of the unborn.” – PA State Rep. Tim O’Neal
- “This morning, I was proud to join colleagues and passionate Pennsylvanians to advocate for the unborn. The Pennsylvania March for Life is an inspiring display of our Commonwealth’s commitment to life. We are a strong, unified voice for the voiceless and we stand united for children, women, and families.” PA State Rep. Kate Klunk
- “Today, thousands gathered in Harrisburg for the 4th Annual Pennsylvania March for Life! Despite the rain, we stood united to empower women to choose life, and to defend the dignity of the unborn. It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces from York County. Together, we’ll continue this fight to defend the dignity of the unborn!” – PA State Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill
- “It was such a blessing to speak before so many people out in front of the Capitol, who braved the rain and actively engaged at the Pennsylvania March For Life.” – PA State Sen. Cris Dush
Here’s more takeaways from this year’s PA March for Life:
1. The turnout was amazing.
The forecast was for steady rain, which proved true. There was also the curveball from the PA House Democrat leaders as they recently announced they were canceling session that day, meaning while their Capitol offices were open, State Reps did not have to be in Harrisburg.
But that didn’t stop thousands of pro-lifers from making this year’s march possibly the largest one yet! “Marchers wrapped around the entire state capitol complex at one point, as the start of the walk caught up with the end.” (Erie News Now)
Bus after bus, wave after wave of pro-lifers coming together to link arms on the front steps of our Capitol in support of life. It was incredibly encouragement to see such a commitment to this cause.
2. The mood was energetic.
The crowd was loud. Throughout the march you could hear a variety of chants, as if you were at a college football game. A band and bagpipes helped bring a joyful atmosphere, as well.
“The rain didn’t dissuade a large crowd of abortion opponents from gathering under a sea of umbrellas on the capitol steps or marching around the grounds of the statehouse following a rally.” (WGAL)
3. The handmade signs were great.
4. The media coverage was….interesting.
There was some nice coverage by outlets like Erie News Now and Delaware Valley Journal. PennLive’s headline is great too: Pa. March for Life draws 5,000 people to Capitol despite rainy weather
Despite that evidence, WITF reported “hundreds” in attendance (and spent the majority of the article talking about non-march related issues).
ABC27 was present and had some nice interviews with PA Family’s Michael Geer and March for Life’s Jeanne Mancini. They also drew a comparison to an abortion “rally” from last week which was sparsely attended.
5. The event was unifying.
So many facets of the pro-life movement were represented at the Pennsylvania March for Life. Pregnancy centers. Sidewalk counselors. Health care professionals. Pastors. Leaders from multiple denominations. Enthusiastic high-school teens from school Respect Life clubs. Moms pushing strollers to elderly pushing walkers.
That’s what this event is all about — bringing the dynamic pro-life movement in Pennsylvania together to unite in a public display of support for life!
I was absolutely amazed and encouraged by the number of attendees on Monday at the Pennsylvania March for Life. I did not expect such a large crowd because of the weather. I’ve attended this rally every year and each year it is bigger and better. Loved hearing from all the speakers. I’m sure that the Pennsylvania senators and representatives standing for life were also very encouraged!
Blessings to all!
So heart warming to see all the people at the March and their signs. PRAISE GOD!
I wish I could have been there. My sister was there and enjoyed it thoroughly even
in the rain. She told me all about the speakers, which were excellent.
Thank you for organizing this March. May God continue to bless your organization.
I am praying that all the pro-life candidates will win in the election.
The two most inspiring speakers to me were Mark Hauk, and Wendy Burpee. Mark was threatened by Erick Garland with 11 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years probation. He was then offered a plea bargain to have all that removed if he would plead guilty. His attorneys thought he should take the deal. His wife told him he was innocent. She told him, “I cannot tell you to take the deal or not, but I can tell you this, if you do take the deal, don’t bother coming home.” He did not take the deal, and was later cleared of all charges.
Wendy Burpee got pregnant by three different men, and had three abortions even though knew it was wrong. A friend led her to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then she met and married a Christian man, and had three children. For the last 25 years she as headed up the Genesis Pregnancy Care Center in Pottstown, PA., an amazing testamoney.