House Majority Leader Eric Cantor told those gathered at a pro-life rally in Washington, D.C. that ending taxpayer funding for abortion was at the “top of the agenda” for the new Republican majority in the House.
Tens of thousands of Americans from across the country — many young, some old — braved the cold, sub-freezing temperatures Monday to protest abortion, euthanasia and taxpayer funding of such initiatives, in the 38th annual March for Life.
On the National Mall, a diverse mix of speakers galvanized the crowd — including the founder and president of the March for Life Nellie Gray, a number of priests, women who regretted their abortions, and Terri Schiavo’s brother Bobby Schindler. Politicians, such as Cantor, Republican Rep. Chris Smith, co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus New Jersey, and Texas Republican Rep. Jeb Hensarling also were present. The only Democrat politician to speak was Illinois Rep. Dan Lipinski, co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus.
Cantor did not disappoint the legions assembled for the pro-life cause by pledging to make the pro-life cause a priority in Congress. He also boasted to the crowd that the new Congress had the most pro-life freshman class in memory.
“We know we have an uphill battle in the Senate and in the White House. But I can promise you one thing, the people’s House will stand un-apologetically for life,” Cantor said. “And we will do everything in our power to make sure that our values, that your values, are reflected in the law of the land.”
Smith cheered last week’s introduction of a bill to end taxpayer funding of abortion.
“The evidence suggests that when public funding is unavailable the number of abortions dropped dramatically by about 25 percent,” Smith said. “So last week with the full and unequivocal support of Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor and the rest of our leadership team — all of whom are here — more than 135 members in all, including a Democrat, Dan Lipinski, we introduced ‘The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion’ H.R. 3 a government wide prohibition of taxpayer funding of abortion and conscience protection for health care professionals.”
Rally leader Gray addressed President Obama directly, saying that his assertion that Roe vs. Wade was a correct interpretation of the Constitution was more than foolish.
“We are here to tell the President of the United States that intentional killing of the pre-born, aged or anyone else is not an appropriate interpretation of our Constitution,” Gray said to cheers. “We are bringing the message to you Mr. President and we would be glad to work with you. We bring this message to you with love. We are taught to come to our enemies to come to our neighbors with love. Therefore the love we have for you Mr. President, as the president of all of the people, including the pre-born, is that Roe vs. Wade shall be overturned.”
Last Saturday on the 38th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the court decision that legalized abortion nationwide, President Obama issued a statement of support for the landmark ruling.
“I am committed to protecting this constitutional right. I also remain committed to policies, initiatives, and programs that help prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant women and mothers, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption. And on this anniversary, I hope that we will recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights, the same freedoms, and the same opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams,” the statement read.
The march took participants from the Verizon Center to the National Mall down Constitution Avenue and to the Supreme Court building.