Pro-lifers rally for March For Life
OTTAWA, ON—An estimated 25,000 people rallied on Parliament Hill May 9, demanding the government protect human life, from conception until natural death. The National March For Life is an annual event meant to encourage pro-lifers and inspire Canadians to protect the unborn.
"The March For Life is important because in Canada we have absolutely no laws restricting abortion," says Robin Mendonca, a youth leader from Southern Ontario. "There is a substantial pro-life population in Canada and we want to see political change."
For 15 years, pro-lifers have gathered for the March For Life on the Thursday before May 14. The date commemorates the anniversary when Pierre Trudeau's government passed a bill legalizing abortion in Canada, in some circumstances. The remaining restrictions were struck down by the Supreme Court in 1988.
"We started to remember that day of infamy, but the march grows every year," says Margie Mountain, co-chair of the National March For Life. "The first year there were 800 people. In 2012 we had 19,500. More and more young people are getting involved."
Along with the mass gathering on Parliament Hill, there are prayer services, vigils and conferences, held throughout the city, from the morning before the rally to the afternoon the day after. Organizers say the March For Life is a political protest, but also a prayer movement and an event meant to encourage pro-lifers.
"I believe the march shows both young and old pro-lifers we are united in our belief that life is from conception until natural death," Mendonca says. "It does something for pro-lifers; it inspires them [to know] that they are not alone."
At 15, Mendonca started organizing groups travelling from Southern Ontario to join the march in Ottawa. The past few years his groups have averaged between 100 and 150 participants.
"It is important for me because it's an opportunity to do something. This is my opportunity to peacefully, yet firmly, give my voice for those who do not have a voice. It's very personal that way. "
This year's theme was "End Female Gendercide."
"It is happening here in Canada," Mountain says. "As we get more people coming from countries where that is part of their culture, it becomes more of a problem. It is a death sentence if they find out [they are having a girl]."
Many pro-lifers express frustration that the government systematically shuts down any discussion about abortion.
"It concerns me," says John Roke, pastor of Bethel United Reform Church in Brockville, Ontario. "[Our] leaders seem very careless in their attitude towards unborn children. It's alarming: we live in a country where women can become prime minister or premiers; we should not allow babies to be killed on the basis of gender."
Mountain feels similarly.
"It's very discouraging because we are supposed to be in a democracy. For the Prime Minister to not even allow this on the floor [of the House of Commons], it's an impetus for all of us to know where our MP stands."
Mountain explains the focus on sex-selective abortions puts the issue in fresh light, challenging the notion that the abortion discussion is about women's rights.
"Prayer is a very major part of it. We can't change hearts and minds, God's got to do it."
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