More than 550 activists gathered at the Utah State Capitol on Jan. 25 to participate in the 10th annual Utah March for Life.
The event was organized by Pro-Life Utah, a nonprofit working to end elective abortion and support individuals affected by abortion, according to the Pro-Life Utah website.
Pro-Life Utah President Mary Taylor said she was pleased with this year’s turnout and added that the group has grown immensely since the first march.
“We literally started Pro-Life Utah right here on the steps of the state capitol with about 20 of us, and it’s come that far in 10 years,” Taylor said.
The event began on the capitol’s steps around 11 a.m. with messages from Taylor and other Pro-Life Utah members. They spoke about this year’s theme, “Fight for Life.”
The phrase “Fight for Life” has a double meaning, Taylor said, as it describes both the nature of pro-life advocacy work as well as its timeline.
“We need to speak up,” Taylor said. “We need to stand up for unborn babies who are losing their lives.”
This goal cannot be accomplished overnight, Taylor said, and people need to be persistent.
“It is not a short-term fight, and we need to be dedicated to fight for the rest of our lives if that is necessary,” Taylor said.
Ed Henkels, a Utah resident, has been involved in the Utah March for Life since 2017 and attended this year's march. His motivation to fight comes from a passion for human rights, he said.
“I look at it as a rights issue. How could the United States say that an unborn child doesn’t have any rights?” Henkels said.
Other marchers said faith was the primary motivator for joining the fight. Catherine Richardson works at a jewelry store and said her faith inspired her to come to the march.
“I believe that every child was meant to come to this earth and that it is very very important that we can fulfill that plan, because it’s God's plan, not ours,” Richardson said.
After the speeches, the crowd took to the streets. They carried homemade signs, large banners and bright yellow flags bearing the word “life." A group from Pro-Life Utah led the way.
A group of around 10 individuals came to protest the pro-life movement. They stood on the sidewalk with signs and called out to nearby participants.
The group connected online prior to the march, Cedric Cody, a pro-choice activist who attended the event, said. He came to the capitol to share his views on human rights and healthcare.
“I’m literally just here to show others that there are people still speaking up for their rights and they are free to join us,” Cody said. He added that his own mother had elective abortions prior to his birth.
The march ended back on the capitol steps where participants mingled and talked with event organizers.
Social media, improved ultrasound technology and events like March for Life are paving the way for a brighter future, Taylor said.
“I think ultimately, respect for all life will win,” Taylor said.