(From a press release)
Monday marked the fourth-annual Pennsylvania March for Life, what many state lawmakers say is the largest rally they have ever seen in Harrisburg, uniting pro-life Pennsylvanians from all corners of the Commonwealth in a powerful public display of support for protecting the human dignity of every life – including preborn babies.
“The Pennsylvania March for Life is a rally cry for valuing life at all stages and supports efforts that truly empower women,” states Michael Geer, president of the Pennsylvania Family Institute. “While the abortion industry is pushing an extreme agenda that would remove healthy safeguards – including state protections against infanticide, the pro-life community pursues support for women during pregnancy and parenting, and encourages the great work of pregnancy resource centers that provide real care for women and their families.”
The Pennsylvania Family Institute hosts the PA March for Life in partnership with the March for Life.
In Pennsylvania, the state’s largest abortion business, Planned Parenthood, has expressed its goal is to remove current safeguards on abortion, including counseling requirements and a limit on abortion after six months of pregnancy. Not only has Planned Parenthood called for shutting down every pro-life pregnancy resource center but they are lobbying for state legislation like House Bill 2304, which among its many extreme measures would remove protections against infanticide. They have also called for House Bill 2517 which would allow facilities performing surgical abortions to be treated differently than any other surgical facility in the state (which is what led to the horrors performed by abortionist Kermit Gosnell after not receiving any state inspection for years).
Attendees for the Pennsylvania March for Life will gather at the front steps of the State Capitol in Harrisburg to peacefully advocate for pro-life protections for women and the unborn. Rally speakers will include pro-life activist Mark Houck, Jeanne Mancini (president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund), author Toni McFadden; and Michael Geer (president, PA Family Institute).
Pro-life state legislators, including State Representative Marla Brown and State Senator Cris Dush, will speak from the rally stage.
Dr. Barry Whitworth, executive director for the Baptist Resource Network, will deliver the opening prayer, and Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will deliver the closing prayer.
“Pennsylvania March for Life has been one of the most vibrant and successful state marches since its inception, thanks in large part to our incredible partners at the Pennsylvania Family Institute,” shares Jeanne Mancini, President of March for Life Education and Defense. “Pro-abortion leaders in Harrisburg are working hard to make Pennsylvania an abortion haven and unfriendly to expectant mothers, while pro-lifers are extending a helpful hand to mothers, babies, and families to build a welcome culture of life in The Keystone State. Join us at the Pennsylvania March for Life as we stand with every woman, for every child.”
Full List of Rally Speakers:
- Mark Houck, Pro-Life Activist and Co-Founder and President of The King’s Men
- Rep. Marla Brown, PA State Representative (District 9)
- Wendy Burpee, Executive Director of Genesis Women’s Clinics
- Sen. Cris Dush, PA State Senator (District 25)
- Michael Geer, President of Pennsylvania Family Institute
- Dr. Eric Hussar, Pennsylvania State Director of the American Academy of Medical Ethics
- Jeanne F. Mancini, President of March for Life Education and Defense Fund
- Toni McFadden, Author and Founder of Relationships Matter
- Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D., Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
- Dr. Barry Whitworth, Executive Director of Baptist Resource Network, Southern Baptist Convention
