March for Life 2009

Despite a steady rain and cool winds, a record 12,000 people marched for life in Ottawa May 14, the day abortion was legalized forty years ago. Those who attended the rally on Parliament Hill and the peaceful walk that followed, were determined to show the strength of the pro-life movement and its firm commitment to the right to life for every human being from conception to natural death.

Amongst the crowd was a strong contingent from the Niagara Region, including a bus sponsored by the Catholic Women’s League. A second bus, organized by St. Catharines Right to Life, was full of youth from schools throughout the Region, along with their chaperones. These wonderful young people endured getting up at an unearthly hour to catch the bus by 5:00 a.m., a six-hour ride to the nation’s capital, and miserable weather on the Hill, but came away from the two days of events enthusiastic, inspired and equipped to be pro-life ambassadors in their schools and communities.

For most of the Niagara youth, the best part of the trip was the actual March itself. Moving slowly through the streets of downtown Ottawa, surrounded by a sea of people who share your pro-life values and who remained cheerful even in the downpour that day, was a profound experience. Luc James, student at Dennis Morris, has been coming on the March for Life trip for several years, and says each time, it has an incredible impact. “It was amazing to see the turnout of everyone at the March. Even in the rain, we stood strong.”

As happens most years, there was a small group of about twenty pro-abortion activists chanting slogans at one point along the route. Holy Cross student Judy Servos remarked, “It was a highlight to see so many people marching for the rights of unborn children who were all so happy that they were supporting such an important issue, versus the very few who were so angrily supporting pro-choice.”

After the parade through downtown, the crowd returned to Parliament Hill to hear the testimonies of post-abortive women, members of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. The sad stories of women who have been so negatively affected by their abortions reinforced the message that abortion is devastating, not just for the unborn children who lose their lives, but also for the men and women involved.

The Rose Banquet held in the evening featured guest speakers Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and former MP Tom Wappel. They encouraged the audience to be active and involved, provide alternatives to abortion, and continue saving lives.

The students were up early the next day to attend the Youth Conference. They had the opportunity through large assemblies and smaller workshops to gain education about pro-life issues and gather ideas on how to make a difference for life. When asked about their experience, Niagara students offered a variety of responses. Alissa Oosterhof of Heritage Christian School learned that three million children have died since abortion became legal 40 years ago. Becca of Lakeshore Catholic discovered “not only the ethical, but also the statistical and factual aspects of abortion.” Anna Brzyska of Notre Dame commented, “This trip changed a lot in my life and made me think about things that are really important.”

After organizing youth trips to the March for Life for almost ten years, St. Catharines Right to Life believes this event is instrumental in developing pro-life leaders for the future. As 17-year-old Mishel Musipa of Notre Dame suggests, “Spread the news to everyone so they know what pro-life is all about and next year, get more people to come!”

Marlene Tersigni