Tens of thousands of anti-abortion activists, joined by masked neo-Nazis, gathered on Friday in Washington for the 52nd annual ‘March for Life‘ rally. Buoyed by recent victories in restricting abortion access and US President Donald Trump‘s return to the White House, the event marked a pivotal moment for the “pro-life” movement.
The rally celebrated the group’s biggest triumph in 2022 when the conservative-majority Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, a landmark decision that had guaranteed abortion rights across the United States for nearly five decades.
Trump, addressing the crowd through a pre-recorded video message, promised unwavering support for their cause during his second term, pledging to “protect the historic gains” made by the anti-abortion movement. “In my second term, we will again stand proudly for families and for life,” he declared.
The rally, held on the National Mall, was attended by high-profile Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, House speaker Mike Johnson, and Florida governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis reinforced the movement’s ideology, calling the sanctity of life an “enduring truth” and the foundation of society.
Neo-Nazi group Patriot Front marks its presence
While the rally aimed to celebrate their achievements, it was not without controversy. Members of the far-right neo-Nazi group Patriot Front marched alongside other attendees, brandishing Christian symbols and military-style flags. The group, which espouses white supremacist conspiracy theories, sparked unease as they joined the event.
The presence of the neo-Nazi group drew sharp criticism, given their history of violent demonstrations, including the infamous 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Trump’s past comments on that rally, where he claimed there were “some very fine people on both sides,” resurfaced, reigniting debates over his relationship with extremist groups.
Movement’s future strategy
Organisers of the March for Life stressed that the movement’s goal extends beyond changing laws to altering cultural attitudes. “We want to make abortion unthinkable,” one organiser said, underscoring their commitment to shaping the national conversation around reproductive rights.
Since Roe’s reversal, individual states have become battlegrounds for abortion legislation. Many conservative-led states have introduced sweeping bans, leaving nearly a third of women aged 18 to 44 living in areas where abortion is largely inaccessible, according to data from Politifact.
Despite these restrictions, national polls consistently show that a majority of Americans support access to safe abortion, highlighting the divide between public opinion and legislative actions.
Trump’s complicated legacy
Trump, who has claimed credit for the Supreme Court’s decision, remains a polarising figure in the anti-abortion movement. While he has described himself as the “most pro-life president ever,” his stance on key issues, including a federal abortion ban, has wavered.
During his campaign, Trump avoided backing federal restrictions and even criticised Florida’s six-week abortion ban. However, his administration’s actions, such as appointing three conservative justices instrumental in overturning Roe and pardoning anti-abortion activists jailed for clinic blockades, have cemented his legacy within the movement.
As Trump embarks on his second term, his promises to support anti-abortion efforts have reignited debates on the future of reproductive rights in America. But with polls showing growing discontent over restrictive abortion laws, the movement faces challenges in reconciling its legislative victories with public opinion.
The march concluded with participants heading toward the Supreme Court and US Capitol complex, a symbolic nod to the movement’s continued fight in state and federal arenas. For now, the “pro-life” movement is savouring its victories while preparing for the next chapter in the battle over abortion rights.
