The fourth annual anti-abortion March for Life will take place in Harrisburg on Monday, with thousands of participants expected in the capital.
Various pro-life groups and religious organizations have expressed support for the rally and are organizing transportation from across the state to attend the event.
Pennsylvania Family Institute estimated that last year’s march drew 6,000 people. And this year’s will be the first to take place in a presidential election year since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Dobbs ruling in Roe v. Wade in 2022
“The Pennsylvania March for Life is the largest gathering of pro-life supporters in the state,” said Alexandra Bedner, spokeswoman for March for Life. “We encourage Pennsylvanians to march peacefully and be a voice for the voiceless while standing up for pro-life protections for women and the unborn. Our presence shows that the pro-life movement is strong and Pennsylvanians are pro-life.”
Abortions are still legal in Pennsylvania up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. After that, abortions are available if the pregnancy would endanger the life or health of the mother.
There are some restrictions, however. Patients seeking an abortion must receive counseling 24 hours before the procedure. And minors must get parental consent for an abortion, unless they receive a court waiver.
“92% of Pennsylvanians want abortion to be legal and accessible, and Planned Parenthood PA Advocates will always fight for it,” said Signe Espinoza, executive director of Planned Parenthood PA. “While abortion is legal in Pennsylvania, it is not accessible, and PPPA works with the vast majority, partners, and allies to ensure that sexual and reproductive health care freedom is a reality for all.”
Espinoza cited a recent Franklin & Marshall College poll that found 38% of Pennsylvanians believe abortion should be legal under all circumstances and 54% believe it should be legal in some circumstances. He did not break down how restrictive abortion policies should be according to respondents in the latter category.
But other recent research also suggest that most Pennsylvanians and Americans in a broader sensegenerally support access to abortion.
The issue has been at the forefront of the presidential race, with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, campaigning on a platform of “reproductive freedom” and blaming former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, for introducing restrictive abortion laws in more than a dozen states.
Trump has appointed three Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe, which he has boasted about, but he said during a Sept. 10 debate with Harris that he favors exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. Trump has repeatedly wavered on the abortion issue during the campaign and has said he believes the issue should be left to individual states.
Bedner said the March for Life does not endorse candidates for public office, but added:The stakes have never been higher for life than they are in this general election year. We look forward to uniting pro-life Pennsylvanians just two months before the election to show the power of the pro-life movement as we peacefully advocate for the protection of both women and unborn children.”
Among the speakers will be anti-abortion activist Mark Houck, who lost the Republican primary earlier this year to represent Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.
Pennsylvania Family Institute President Michael Geer will also speak. Independence Law Center, a law firm affiliated with the Pennsylvania Family Institute, recently made headlines after being hired by multiple Pennsylvania school districts. The group develops and advises school boards on policies regarding student gender expression, what books are appropriate and how to protect so-called religious freedom in schools. Critics have accused it of anti-LGBTQ bigotry.
The Pennsylvania Family Institute did not respond to a request for comment.
State lawmakers Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-Jefferson) are also listed as speakers.
On Monday, there will be many events in the capital: a concert at 10:00, a rally at 11:00, and the march itself will begin at 12:00.
The march will reportedly take place around the Capitol intricate, with the main stage located near 3rd and Liberty Streets. website of the march.
Registration is not required to attend the rally, but organizers encourage you to pay the registration fee.
