Just a few days short of Roe v. Wade’s 50th anniversary, thousands of pro-life activists gathered at our nation’s capital for the first national March for Life in a post-Roe America. In previous years, many had said that once SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade the march would no longer be necessary. This year’s march proved that the Dobbs decision was just the beginning of a long journey ahead. As an attendee, it was clear to me that the majority of those marching were young people eager to work towards the dismantling of the abortion industry in all fifty states, in addition to furthering efforts to support mothers, children, and families.
Students for Life of America, and their sister organization Students for Life Action, distributed 10,000 signs to march attendees emblazoned with the phrases “I am the Post-Roe Generation” and “I Demand Protection at Conception.” These signs are a bold statement of the movement’s focus going forward. It is unsatisfied with sticky legislation that stops at 15-week bans or heartbeat bills. Laws set the moral standard for society, and if abortion is one of the greatest injustices of our generation our laws should reflect reality. Every pro-life movement across the globe looks to the United States for encouragement, and the biggest challenge we face is falling into the normalization of abortion that’s occurred in other nations..
Another popular campaign at the march was to combat the abortion industry’s plan to normalize abortion across the country with chemical abortion (RU 46), which they are marketing as “Plan C.” They are telling women and girls that using chemical abortion is an easy, safe process done from home without physician support. Women can purchase the pills online and are even encouraged to purchase them in advance to have them on hand, like any other household medication. The FDA also recently loosened regulations, allowing pharmacies to distribute chemical abortion. What could previously only be obtained from a physician may now be available in anyone’s neighborhood. The abortion industry’s goal to normalize this pill may have tragic consequences through environmental impacts, maternal fatalities, and abuse cover-up, in addition to the countless unborn lives lost by the procedure. Chemical abortion should be particularly worrisome for college students since its growth means that many of our peers will suffer the loss of their unborn children alone in their dorm rooms. It is vital that we as pro-life students educate our campus community about the reality of “Plan C” so that our classmates do not fall into the trap of a procedure they may deeply regret.
While the reality of why we march can often be grim, there was also an overarching sense of hope and joy surrounding attendees. The overturning of Roe v. Wade was only a dream a few years ago; now, it is reality. The Dobbs ruling provides a foundation to continue to promote life-saving measures and encourages lawmakers to pass legislation that further supports families.
The Post-Roe Generation will not rest until life is fully protected in law across all 50 states and abortion is unthinkable in the minds of Americans. Until then, we will continue to march.
Tess Overholser
Teresa (Tess) Overholser is a highschool student southwest Ohio. She is president of her school's pro-life club and is an active member of Students for Life Action. Her other passions include running, playing clarinet, and being a gymnastics instructor.
The views expressed in this article are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Lone Conservative staff.
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