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October 10, 2024 By March for Life Leave a Comment

The Reason We March: 52nd National March For Life Unveils New Theme

(THE DAILY WIRE) — We march, not for ourselves, but rather for the pregnant women across the country who are in need of love and support.

Many in our nation see the topic of life only as a cause that divides. Each year at the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., our humble voices and peaceful presence serve as a reminder of the beauty and dignity of every human life, and as an invitation to all Americans to recognize this truth and to serve the most vulnerable.

Now, more than ever, we must come together to witness to the inherent dignity of life.

In the two years since the Dobbs decision, the pro-life community has faced many challenges. We have battled relentless and radical pro-abortion proposals at both the state and federal level. Pro-abortion politicians have been using their power to discredit the life-saving work of pregnancy resource centers at a time when these charitable organizations have been suffering widespread threats, physical violence, and vandalism. Moreover, deadly misinformation campaigns surrounding state-level pro-life protections are scaring doctors and women away from addressing pregnancy-related medical emergencies even though none of these laws prohibit life-saving care.

Extreme abortion measures that would enshrine a dangerous “right to abortion” into several state constitutions will be on the ballot this November. In Massachusetts, Attorney General Andrea Campbell has initiated a national “working group” of state AGs to target the work of pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) and Governor Maura Healy launched a million-dollar taxpayer-funded smear campaign aimed at discrediting and destroying them.

Attacks like these harm vulnerable pregnant women who most need the resources and support that PRCs provide. The result is that PRCs are forced to divert attention and resources from serving women in need, toward defending themselves against political and physical attacks – all because they offer alternatives to abortion.

Pro-abortion misinformation campaigns promoting the Democrats’ vision of abortion without limits have tragically contributed to the preventable deaths of Georgia mothers Amber Thurman and Candi Miller. Pro-abortion activists, who for two years have been spreading the false narrative that state-level pro-life protections prevent doctors from treating mothers with serious pregnancy complications, are rightly described as “part of the problem.” Those who fearmonger about pro-life protections would serve women far better if they admitted that complications from the unsupervised provision of abortion drugs caused the complications leading to Amber’s and Candi’s heartbreaking and untimely deaths.

Some pro-life Americans may feel overwhelmed or discouraged by these and many other challenges we face right now as a community. But while the landscape in which we work towards making abortion unthinkable will always have its ups and downs, the value and inherent dignity of vulnerable women and children never changes. Likewise, our resolve to protect and provide for them must never waver.

That is why for the 52nd National March for Life we chose a theme that reminds pro-life Americans of our roots – the reasons why we march by the thousands each year in the freezing cold, snow, and rain. We hope that reflecting on this year’s theme: “Every

Life: Why We March” will be a source of the renewed energy and focus so needed for this moment.

We march, not for ourselves, but rather for the pregnant women across the country who are in need of love and support. We march for the innocent unborn children who deserve a chance to live, to have a future, if only they are given the chance. We march also for our neighbors, co-workers, and elected officials who do not yet see the truth: that all human life is intrinsically valuable and worthy of protection.

For the past 52 years and again this year, pro-life Americans will unite from across all generations and all walks of life, with unique backgrounds and stories, to be a peaceful presence and joyful witness to this truth – and to march in love and protection of every human life.

(Originally published in The Daily Wire)

October 4, 2024 By March for Life Leave a Comment

Outgoing March for Life leader reflects on a life of faith

(THE ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HERALD) — Jeanne Mancini went from being a self-described “policy person” to one of the most unlikely, influential and visible leaders of the pro-life movement after becoming president of the March for Life in 2012.

But the way Mancini sees it, what happened 23 years earlier was even more important. She was in her junior year at West Potomac High School and an active member of the youth group at Good Shepherd Church in Alexandria. When she signed up to attend a Youth Encounter retreat, she had no idea her life was about to change forever.

“Even though I had a very good formation growing up with my mom and dad, that retreat had a massive impact and changed the trajectory of my whole life,” she said. ”When I had that conversion experience it wasn’t so much related to pro-life issues, it was more of my heart opening and understanding how important a personal relationship with God was and how God loves me uniquely. It wasn’t just rote prayers and doing the right thing and being virtuous, but that he loves me and has a plan for me. It was very powerful.”

Two weeks after announcing her resignation as the leader of the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration, Mancini reflected honestly on the soul-searching and at times, agonizing path that prepared her for the battles she would embrace during her 12-year presidency.

“After college I worked with children who had been victims of abuse or neglect and I really began to grapple more than I ever had before with the church’s teachings on life,” she said, “Thanks be to God I had good people around me, because even though I was philosophically grappling with some of those questions, I came out on the right side of this. My understanding was tested and I came out believing even more fully in the church’s teachings on the inherent dignity of the human person.”

She is still discerning her next role, but Mancini, who has a master’s degree in the theology of marriage and family from the John Paul II Institute in Washington, speaks with evangelistic fervor about why a hurting world needs what the Catholic Church teaches.

“Good theology, what the church really teaches, is healing,” she said. “The church is the expert on the human person. To understand healthy theological anthropology is what it means to live an ordered, happy and flourishing life.”

A true daughter of the diocese, Mancini’s path to prominence came as no surprise to her childhood friend Father Thomas P. Ferguson, pastor of Good Shepherd. “It has been a blessing for me to be able to call Jeanne a friend since the days when we were growing up together at Good Shepherd Parish,” said Father Ferguson. “Jeanne is a person of deep faith who has given me a great example of perseverance, charity and joy in promoting respect and love for the gift of life, especially the lives of the unborn.”

“I commend Jeannie Mancini for her creative, courageous, and faithful leadership at the March for Life Education and Defense Fund,” said Bishop Michael Burbidge. “Jeannie has transformed the March for Life by thoughtfully growing its annual Washington rally, expanding its reach to states and cities across our nation, and inspiring a new generation of pro-life advocates through peaceful and loving witness to the reality of the unborn child and the sacredness of all human life.”

Mancini’s conversation is filled with a joyful Catholic spirituality and optimism, despite significant setbacks and a relentless assault on life since the momentous Supreme Court decision that ended Roe v. Wade June 24, 2022.

“We’re living in this weird cultural reverberation of the overturning of Roe,” she said. “We see politicians distancing themselves from the issue and we’re not doing well, but that doesn’t mean it was a mistake to overturn Roe or that we’re on the wrong side of history. Mother Teresa would say that we are called to serve the poor, and the unborn are the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable. The other issues are important, but there is a preeminence to the protection of life.”

Mancini’s final March for Life as president will be Jan. 24, 2025, before Jennie Bradley Lichter assumes leadership Feb 1.

But Mancini will remain as a board member and chief encourager to the millions of pro-lifers who make the pilgrimage every year to stand for life. “My message is to come. We want to encourage people who are discouraged,” she said. “It’s hard to persevere when things look dark but that one little candle lit in a dark room has the power to make a difference. Whatever it is you’re called to do for the culture of life is absolutely making a difference. Sometimes things are darkest before the light comes. Persevere, persevere, persevere.”

(Originally published in The Arlington Catholic Herald)

September 16, 2024 By March for Life Leave a Comment

NRO: Despite the Republican Party, the March for Life Goes On

(NATIONAL REVIEW) — Moving forward with hope and joy and justice.

The human-rights issue of our lives is abortion. Clearly not everyone sees it that way. It’s buried in euphemisms about women’s health. But follow the science. An unborn child dies.

The March for Life happens every January, marking the anniversary of the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in all three trimesters. Abortion has become so much more hot-button and angering and confusing than ever. And despite the headlines, increasingly hidden. Chemical abortion eliminates human encounter, unless CVS counts.

…

The March for Life just announced a new president. Jennie Bradley Lichter is a wife and mother of three. Her father is a leading intellectual in the pro-life movement, Gerry Bradley at Notre Dame, As deputy general counsel at the Catholic University of America, she spearheaded a program to help mothers on campus — staff and students. Yes, if you’re pregnant, but also long after. Diapers. Food. Parking spaces close to where you need to be. The pro-life movement is not about politics as much as it is about basic resources. Pregnancy-care centers have been demonized in the post-Dobbs era, but they help with clothes and housing and basic skills.

…

While the March for Life is about ending abortion, period, they have state marches as well. Lichter says the importance, besides education, is “to show that pro-life Americans are still here, we are still motivated, we will never, ever tire of witnessing together to the beauty and dignity and utter preciousness of human life.”

Outgoing president Jeanne Mancini speaks with great love for the suffering. “We live in a culture with many women and men who have chosen abortion and carry those wounds. Any messaging needs to both speak truth about the inherent dignity of the human person, the destructive nature of abortion to both mom and baby, and be steeped in mercy and hope.”

…

The March continues. For women and children and families. For humanity.

To read the full story click here.

(Originally published in National Review)

September 12, 2024 By March for Life Leave a Comment

March for Life announces ‘longtime marcher’ as new president

(EWTN) — The March for Life announced Thursday that longtime president Jeanne Mancini will pass the torch early next year to Jennie Bradley Lichter, a leading pro-life legal advocate and scholar.

“Leading the March for Life has been the honor and opportunity of a lifetime, one for which I will be forever grateful. There have been countless highlights during my time as president of March for Life, including the momentous overturn of Roe v. Wade,” said Mancini, who has led the pro-life organization for the past 12 years.

“I’m convinced that building a culture of life through compassionate public witness to the inherent dignity of the unborn and their mothers is as critically important today as it was the tragic day abortion was first legalized in the United States — or at any time since,” she said.

“I am more than delighted to watch how the organization will continue to grow under Jennie Bradley Lichter’s leadership.”

Catholic pro-life activist Nellie Gray founded the March for Life in Washington, D.C., in 1974 following the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

The organization, which now bills its march as the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration, celebrated its 51st anniversary with this year’s gathering, which took place in late January and attracted tens of thousands.

Mancini was only the second person to serve as president of the March for Life, after Gray herself, who died in 2012. Mancini’s tenure of a dozen years was marked by “consistent and extraordinarily fruitful growth,” the group says, which includes the establishment of a “rapidly expanding” state march program, already present in 16 states.

Other major milestones under Mancini’s leadership include hosting for the first time the sitting vice president and president of the United States at the national March in 2020 as well as the landmark 2022 Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which returned the power to legislate on abortion to the states.

(Originally published in EWTN)

June 24, 2024 By Jeanne Mancini Leave a Comment

On the anniversary of Dobbs, we must continue the fight for life

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) — As we celebrate the second anniversary of the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, I find myself reflecting on the history of the pro-life movement while also dreaming of the future ahead.

Despite years of hard work and dedication, many people believed that Roe v. Wade would never be overturned. But by remaining focused on our goal to protect life at all stages, the pro-life movement witnessed the end of a precedent that had darkened our nation for 50 years.

As we know, with such a monumental victory comes great change and, of course, new challenges. Fortunately, the pro-life community is equipped with all the necessary resources.

Perhaps the biggest challenge confronting our movement is ensuring that women facing unexpected pregnancies know they are loved, they are strong, and there are resources available to them so that they do not have to walk alone.

Tragically, the vast majority of women who chose abortion say they would have preferred to parent if they had received requisite emotional and financial support. Nearly 70% say their abortions were coerced, unwanted, or inconsistent with their preferences.

They were repeatedly told the lie that they had to choose between their child and their happiness and fulfillment. There is so much more in store for these women.

For decades, the pro-life community has empowered women in these difficult circumstances by serving as a source of refuge, solace, and hope. Since Roe was overturned two years ago, these efforts to encourage women have only grown. A nationwide network of over 3,000 pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes exists to provide round-the-clock care and support to pregnant women, no matter their situation, background, or story.

These centers and homes are changing lives. In 2022 alone, they served nearly 975,000 women with approximately $358 million in free services, including ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, as well as physical and emotional resources such as diapers, food, formula, financial aid, counseling, and so much more.

Yet just as important as the physical items provided by these centers are the simple gifts of unconditional love and support they offer. In crisis circumstances, women need to hear that they are strong and capable. They need to hear that they can be great mothers while simultaneously reaching for greatness in all their hopes and dreams. Pregnancy resource center staff assure these women they are not alone in their journeys.

Through the selfless hard work of pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes across the country and the devoted support they receive from pro-lifers in their communities, it is clear the pro-life movement stands with every woman and for every child.

Sadly, pro-abortion politicians are on the opposite track with a profoundly anti-woman mission that seeks to slash the direct support offered to mothers by these charitable organizations. Across the country, pregnancy resource centers have faced threats, vandalism, and political persecution simply because of their efforts to defend the lives of both women and unborn children.

Abortion activists are seeking to eliminate these centers, striking at the heart of women’s health and well-being while contributing to pro-abortion legislators’ broader plan of imposing the nation’s most radical abortion agenda upon all people. Both President Joe Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have announced intentions to eliminate the filibuster if Biden is reelected in order to enshrine on-demand abortion through all nine months of pregnancy into federal law. Meanwhile, numerous efforts are underway to amend state constitutions so they, too, enshrine access to unrestricted elective abortion while also abolishing state pro-life laws.

How incomprehensible it is that abortion is being sold as the catch-all “solution” to the challenges women face. Today, abortions are tragically occurring throughout all nine months of pregnancy. In fact, more than 55,000 abortions occur annually at or after 15 weeks gestation, past the point at which babies can feel pain. Pro-abortion members of Congress oppose any protections for these children.

It is imperative that we continue to fight against this unprecedented extremism in defense of the most vulnerable among us. In this quest for life, we must remain hopeful for what lies ahead, especially considering that a majority of people oppose abortion extremism and instead believe in offering tangible support and resources to women in need.

It took half a century of dedicated and passionate marching before the victorious overturn of Roe v. Wade. If it takes another 50 years to live in a nation in which innocent life is cherished and protected at all stages, then we will face each day, each battle, and each year with the same love embodied by those who came before us.

Let the Dobbs decision be a reminder of the glorious things we can achieve when the pro-life community is united and determined in the fight for life. The torch has been passed to us, and it is up to us to ensure it continues to burn with more light for the next 50 years and beyond.