Thousands rally against abortion in first US March for Life post-Roe

Thousands of pro-life supporters from across the US have attended the country’s first national March for Life since Roe v Wade was overturned in June.

The annual event, which this year marked 50 years since the US Supreme Court legalised abortion nationwide in 1973, saw attendees gather in Washington DC to campaign for protections for the unborn at state level.

Covering almost two miles in the capital, pro-life supporters held signs declaring “Love them Both” and “Love Life, Choose Life”.

‘Abortion-free future’

Speaking to the Washington Examiner, President of March for Life Jeanne Mancini said: “This will be a day to celebrate the overturn of Roe, a momentous occasion, and then to talk about what’s next and build a culture of life in the United States.

“The enthusiasm of the young people is contagious here today, and so my enthusiasm is strong.”

Kristan Hawkins, President of Students For Life of America, commented: “There’s a lot of excitement. There’s this sense that the end of Roe is catapulting us into an abortion-free future.”

More abortion pills

But just days after, US Vice President Kamala Harris announced a presidential order instructing the Government to push the distribution of abortion pills across the country.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services has now been directed to consider publishing guidance for mothers, abortion providers and pharmacies “who wish to legally access, prescribe, or provide mifepristone — no matter where they live”.

In a statement, US President Joe Biden also pushed for Congress to legalise abortion nationwide.

Easy access

Earlier this month, it was announced that abortion pills will be available to obtain directly from pharmacies in the US following a significant regulatory change.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will allow the drug to be dispensed by brick-and-mortar pharmacies.

Before the change, mifepristone – used to kill a developing baby in the womb – had to be obtained directly from a doctor, or be prescribed via telemedicine and sent by post.

However, pharmacies will not be able to distribute the drug in pro-life states where abortion is banned or laws require that patients get the pills directly from their doctors.