Record-breaking numbers of pro-lifers gathered in central London for the 11th annual March for Life, as over ten thousand pro-lifers marched, dwarfing a pro-abortion counter-demonstration.
Held on 6 September, pro-lifers of all ages marched in opposition to the UK’s abortion laws, which generally permit abortion up until 24 weeks gestation.
The March, which was described as “a peaceful and joy-filled demonstration of support for the unborn and their parents”, dwarfed a counter-protest from a pro-abortion group, which the organisers reported as being “a stark contrast noted by many onlookers”.
Co-director of the event, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, who is currently being investigated for silently praying outside an abortion clinic for a third time, added “[T]he pro-life crowd exemplified the peace and joy of those who are confident that their cause is just, and their hope is rooted in something greater than politics”.
Speakers share importance of being pro-life “even when it is unpopular”
As of April this year, it has been estimated that almost eleven million unborn babies have lost their lives to abortion in the UK since 1968, when the Abortion Act 1967 came into effect. The theme of this year’s March for Life was “Human rights for all humans”.
Starting in the Emmanuel Centre in central London at 10am, as well as pro-life stalls – including a Right To Life UK stall – and activities, the March hosted a ‘Pro-life Human Rights Summit’.
The rally heard from a number of speakers, including Sara Spencer, a student midwife who was suspended for her pro-life views, and Carla Lockhart MP, Chair of the Pro-Life All-Party Parliamentary Group. Lockhart said “If human rights mean anything, they must be consistent, they must apply to all. If we are to see change, we must each play our part”.
“We are called to speak truth in love, to support mothers in crisis, to defend the defenceless, to stand even when it is unpopular and to be unashamed in saying:
we are pro-life, we are pro both and both lives matter”.
Another speaker, Josiah Presley, who survived an attempted surgical abortion and was raised by adoptive parents, said “We have a call to leave a better world for the generations coming behind us. We have a responsibility, a call to leave a world that is for life, not against life. We have a responsibility to leave a world with more lives, not [fewer] lives”.
“The importance of this year’s March for Life cannot be overstated”
During her speech, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce said “Priceless human beings or worthless bits of tissue – What do you believe and more importantly, how will you respond? Parents, politicians, pastors, police, medics, lawyers, journalists and every single person here must make that choice. These two worldviews cannot co-exist”.
Reflecting on the day, she said “While it was impressive to see such a strong crowd gathered, what pleased me more was the individual stories I heard from attendees who told me their pro-life plans because of what they’d experienced at the March – students pledging to start pro-life societies at their universities or churchgoers planning to hold pro-life coffee mornings at their churches to raise awareness in their own communities – these are the people who will help change the culture by passing on the truths they have heard today to others”.
Ben Thatcher, co-director of the March for Life, said “More and more people are recognising the reasonableness and consistency behind the pro-life movement”. Organisers highlighted the “very different backgrounds” of those present, with young people, families, and children joining a significant number of religious leaders and a growing number of atheists.
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said “The importance of this year’s March for Life cannot be overstated. It came at a key moment for the UK following the law change introduced by the abortion up to birth amendment tabled by Tonia Antoniazzi MP, which was passed by MPs by 379 to 137 in June. The record numbers of abortions in England and Wales in 2022 also highlight the critical need for a strong pro-life witness”.
“In this context, it was so encouraging to see record numbers of passionate pro-life supporters marching peacefully through the streets of London, who were determined to show their support for the dignity and rights of every human being from conception to natural death”.
“We once again want to give a special thank you to Ben, Isabel, and the rest of the team at March for Life UK who worked so hard to put on another amazing event”.
