Trump, Vance Address March for Life After Pardoning Anti-Abortion Activists/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance addressed the annual March for Life, celebrating pro-life gains since the repeal of Roe v. Wade. The march, held in Washington, D.C., comes as Trump pardoned several anti-abortion activists and signaled his commitment to defunding Planned Parenthood and expanding pro-life legislation. Critics, however, warned of continued attacks on reproductive rights.
March for Life 2025: Quick Looks
- Historic Moment: First march since Trump’s re-election and post-Dobbs decision.
- Featured Speakers: President Trump (via video), Vice President JD Vance, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
- Pardons Granted: Trump pardoned anti-abortion activists convicted of clinic blockades.
- Activist Priorities: Calls for defunding Planned Parenthood and bolstering resources for pregnant women.
- Opposition Voices: Planned Parenthood and feminist groups organized counterprotests.
Side Headlines:
- “Pro-Life Revolution”: Activists Celebrate Gains Under Trump Administration
- Planned Parenthood Responds: Calls March for Life a “Continuation of Attacks”
- State Battles Intensify: Anti-Abortion Legislation Faces Ballot Measure Challenges
- Focus Shifts Post-Roe: March Stresses Federal and Local Action on Abortion
Trump, Vance Address March for Life After Pardoning Anti-Abortion Activists
Deep Look
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thousands gathered in the nation’s capital Friday for the annual March for Life, celebrating the anti-abortion movement’s historic victories in the wake of the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. With President Donald Trump back in the White House and Republicans controlling Congress, activists see new opportunities to advance their pro-life agenda.
“This is a significant moment in history,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group. “We’ve worked for decades to reach this point.”
A Pivotal March in Post-Roe America
Since its inception in 1974, the March for Life has been a rallying point for the pro-life movement. This year’s march carried extra weight, marking the first held under a Republican administration following the Dobbs decision.
Kristen Cooper, a 21-year-old member of Students for Life of America, called the atmosphere “surreal.” “This is my fourth march, but it’s the first with a pro-life Republican president and Congress,” she said.
Pro-life activists emphasized that their work is far from over.
Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, said the movement must focus on federal and local action. “The march now ends behind the Capitol to remind lawmakers that abortion isn’t just a state issue,” she said.
Trump’s Pardons and Anti-Abortion Actions
Trump’s remarks followed his pardons for several anti-abortion activists convicted of blockading clinics. This move has reinvigorated pro-life advocates while drawing sharp criticism from abortion-rights groups.
The president also used his executive powers to quietly advance the pro-life agenda. He issued an order rolling back Biden-era protections for transgender individuals and included language referencing fetal personhood.
Kristan Hawkins added that activists are pushing for further action, including defunding Planned Parenthood and expanding financial support for pregnant women through paid family leave and child tax credits.
State-Level Battles and Challenges
While federal momentum favors pro-life advocates, the battle over abortion rights is increasingly playing out in state legislatures and at the ballot box. Since Dobbs, seven states have approved constitutional amendments to protect abortion access, while other states are tightening restrictions.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a featured speaker at the march, championed his state’s six-week abortion ban, one of the strictest in the country. However, Florida’s constitutional amendment process requires 60% voter approval, complicating efforts to overturn restrictions.
Opposition and Counterprotests
Abortion-rights groups, including Planned Parenthood and the Feminist Majority Foundation, organized counterprotests to highlight public support for reproductive freedom.
Angela Vasquez-Giroux of Planned Parenthood Action Fund criticized the March for Life as a platform for “hate and lies.” Feminist Majority Foundation president Ellie Smeal emphasized the popularity of abortion rights.
“We want to remind people that the majority supports making their own reproductive health decisions,” Smeal said.
Ryan Stitzlein of Reproductive Freedom for All added, “Each time one of these marches happens, it’s a day to reflect on how much harm the Dobbs decision has caused.”
A Nationwide Movement
March for Life president-elect Jennie Bradley Lichter announced plans to expand the movement’s reach, with marches scheduled in 17 state capitals this year.
“This provides energy for the movement and sends a message: the fight to protect unborn children isn’t over,” Lichter said.
As the march concluded in front of the Supreme Court building, activists celebrated their gains while preparing for the next phase of their fight.
Looking Ahead
Following the march, President Trump and Vice President Vance will continue their focus on pro-life initiatives. Trump plans to speak at a rally in Las Vegas on Saturday, promoting a campaign promise to exclude tips from federal taxes.
While pro-life advocates celebrate their victories, the divide over abortion remains stark. With state legislatures and ballot measures taking center stage, the future of reproductive rights in America continues to hang in the balance.
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