Pro-Life Leaders Rally at 2025 March for Life: A Call to Action for Trump’s Second Term
Thousands of passionate pro-life advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., on January 24, 2025, for the annual March for Life, where they voiced their hopes for the future of the pro-life movement under President Donald Trump’s second term. The event, marked by fervent speeches and vibrant displays of support, set the stage for a renewed commitment to protecting the sanctity of life.
One of the most significant moments leading up to the march was Trump’s decision to pardon several pro-life activists who had faced imprisonment for their protests against abortion clinics. This action was celebrated by many in the pro-life community, including Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America (SFLA). Hawkins had previously submitted a list of activists for pardon and expressed her gratitude to Trump for taking this step. However, she also urged him to maintain momentum and focus on more extensive pro-life initiatives.
During the march, Hawkins emphasized the urgent need to defund Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, which performs over 300,000 abortions annually. She argued that defunding Planned Parenthood could save more lives than any legislative ban on late-term abortions. “The number one job right now should be defunding and dismantling Planned Parenthood,” Hawkins proclaimed, holding a sign that read, “Defund Planned Parenthood.”
The call for action extended beyond defunding, as Hawkins and other leaders urged the Trump administration to take a strong stance against chemical abortion drugs. The SFLA has been advocating for policies like the Clean Water for All Act, which seeks to address the environmental impact of abortion drugs while ensuring that the remains of aborted children are treated with dignity.
The rally featured a pre-recorded speech from Trump, who reiterated his commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade, calling it an "unconstitutional decision" that has caused decades of division. He vowed to oppose any federal push for unlimited abortion rights, even after birth, rallying support from attendees who cheered his words.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, expressed optimism about the Trump administration’s potential to advance pro-life policies. Dannenfelser noted that there is a renewed sense of urgency among lawmakers to consider defunding Planned Parenthood, particularly with new leadership in Congress. “For the first time since 2017, we have a shot at defunding Planned Parenthood,” she said, highlighting the growing bipartisan support for this initiative.
In addition to the focus on Planned Parenthood, pro-life leaders are also calling for federal action against the distribution and use of chemical abortion drugs. Hawkins pointed out that the abortion industry must be held accountable for the disposal of fetal remains, advocating for legislation that would require women to collect the remains of their children if they choose to undergo chemical abortions.
The March for Life serves not only as a platform for voicing concerns but also as a unifying event for pro-life advocates across the nation. Jeanne Mancini, former president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, along with the newly elected President Jennie Bradley Lichter, emphasized the organization’s commitment to education and advocacy without political bias. They expressed eagerness to see how Trump’s administration will govern in light of the pro-life movement’s expectations.
As the march concluded, attendees left with a sense of hope and determination. The pro-life movement is poised to take significant steps forward, and leaders are calling on the Trump administration to join them in their mission to protect the unborn. With a renewed focus on legislative action and community engagement, the pro-life community is ready to make their voices heard in the coming years.
For more information on pro-life initiatives and upcoming events, visit Students for Life and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.