History The March for Life has taken place every year since the first anniversary of Roe v. Wade on January 22, 1974. That year, about 20,000 people rallied on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol, then marched in a "Circle of Life" around the Capitol Building before fanning out to lobby their Members of Congress, demanding action on behalf of the unborn. From those relatively modest beginnings, the March for Life has grown dramatically: 50,000 in 1976; 65,000 in 1977; 100,000 in 1986. The numbers have continued to climb, while a new generation of pro-life Americans has taken its place in the ranks. An estimated 225,000 marched on the 25th anniversary of Roe v. Wade in 1998. (Approximately 200 of them were with People for Life.) Then, in 2001, people came in record numbers once again, to celebrate the first inauguration of George W. Bush. In January 2009, March for Life attendance set a new record of 300,000 plus in response to the election of President Obama, who is militantly pro-abortion and has since demonstrated unyielding support for the pro-abortion agenda. Attendance continues to increase each year. Although it is consistently under-reported by the national news media, the annual Marche for Life will someday be recognized as one of the great historical phenomena of our time. For more information, please call People for Life at 814-882-1333. Erie-area marchers: Don't forget your cameras! And don't forget to share your pics with People for Life for our Erie Echo newsletter, our Facebook page, and this website. Page last updated November 14, 2013 |