At 2pm on Sunday, January 14, 2018, a sea of smiling pro-lifers immersed the city streets of downtown Chicago with singing voices, yellow balloons, and genuine joy. This record-breaking crowd was composed of pro-life individuals from all age groups, diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, and various locations from across the Midwest, including Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, and Ohio.
Despite the chilly conditions, thousands of pro-lifers united to proclaim the sanctity of human life, commemorate the innocent lives lost after Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, and call for the restoration of the respect, love, and protection that all life deserves. Their mission was to share a message of love, hope, and life, and nothing – not even the cold – was going to stop them.
Check out just how many people turned out for this great event – the largest pro-life event in the Midwest…
As this enormous, joyful mass of pro-lifers congregated at Federal Plaza and spilled into the side streets, they were moved and inspired by the words of the many speakers, which included:
Ramona Trevino – Former Planned Parenthood Director and Keynote Speaker
Pat McCaskey – Co-Owner of the Chicago Bears
Congressman Peter Roskam
Congressman Dan Lipinski
Sarah Storto – Vice President of Loyola Students for Life & Students for Life of Illinois Intern
A client of Aid for Women – a pregnancy resource center in Illinois
Sheila Liaugminas – Host of Relevant Radio talk show “A Closer Look”
His Eminence Cardinal Blase J. Cupich – Archbishop of Chicago
His Excellency, Bishop Donald J. Hying – Bishop of Gary, IN
The Right Reverend Paul – Orthodox Bishop of Chicago & the Midwest
Pastor Ed Stetzer – Interim Pastor, Moody Church in Chicago
Ramona Trevino told the crowd,
“The deadliest thing in the world is indifference.”
She continued:
“It is love that brings us here today. It is love that reaches out to a woman in crisis that says I’m here for you, to help you.”
Referring to her own experience, she recapped:
“I walked away from that Planned Parenthood seven years ago, knowing that their days are numbered, and that Roe v. Wade’s days are numbered.”
As the crowd in downtown Chicago grows every year, with more and more people coming to brave the cold and march in defense of life, we know that Roe v. Wade’s days are numbered too.