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Participants in the anti-abortion movement gathered in Washington, D.C., on Friday expressed optimism that Vice President JD Vance will guide the Republican Party towards their goals amid rising tensions between anti-abortion advocates and President Donald Trump.
Thousands attended the 53rd annual March for Life, the fourth rally since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned federal abortion protections under Roe v. Wade.
In the lead-up to the event, anti-abortion leaders have voiced concerns about their relationship with the GOP, particularly after Trump suggested Republicans should be “flexible on Hyde” during healthcare negotiations, referencing the Hyde Amendment’s limits on federally funded abortions.
Additionally, anti-abortion leaders and Republican lawmakers have pressured the Trump administration for not reinstating in-person screening requirements for the abortion pill mifepristone.
In a video message to the marchers, Trump stated, “We will continue to fight for the eternal truth that every child is a gift from God.”
Benjamin D’Amico, a 19-year-old attendee from Grand Rapids, Michigan, told the Washington Examiner that he hopes Vance “can help talk to Trump for us because he’s a lot closer to Trump than we’ll ever be.”
“I just hope that he’s able to help the policies move towards our direction, towards saving children and lives,” he added. D’Amico, who traveled 14 hours to attend the rally, became involved in the movement after his sister chose to keep her pregnancy despite pressure to have an abortion.
“It’s a whole life. I love babies, and I don’t think that anyone should be killed without any purpose,” he said, expressing hope that the Trump administration will “make the right decision” on life issues.
Regarding the midterm elections, D’Amico mentioned, “I have to choose the better of the two evils,” indicating that he would base his vote on gun rights and economic issues.
Sarah, a Texas State University senior, shared her acceptance of the Trump administration’s stance on abortion, stating, “Donald J. Trump is not pro-life at all. I still do support him in his policies that he has implemented because it has been more pro-life than other presidencies.”
However, she and her friend Andrea, also a Texas State student, expressed strong support for Vance, with Andrea noting that Vance’s participation in the March for Life “says a lot about the future.”
Joanna Hier from Richmond, Virginia, attended the rally with her 7-month-old son and expressed excitement about Vance’s address, especially as he and second lady Usha Vance are expecting their fourth child. Hier stated her concerns about the future of the anti-abortion movement but is generally satisfied with Trump’s approach.
“I think that what Trump and JD Vance are doing with allowing the states to decide, I think that was the best choice, because not everybody is pro-life,” she said.
Vance, speaking to the Washington Examiner prior to the march, emphasized the need for anti-abortion advocates to be “realistic” and focus on state-level successes.
“Building a culture of life requires persuasion,” Vance remarked, noting that the movement should aim to convince more Americans to oppose abortion.
He acknowledged that many pro-life activists desire more progress, asserting that the Trump administration is the most anti-abortion in history. During his speech, he addressed those wishing for more action, stating that internal debates within the movement “help keep people like me honest, and that’s the important thing.”
Before Vance’s speech, Andrea expressed her optimism for the future of both the anti-abortion movement and the GOP. “Looking at it like, [Vance] will be a future president, so we know exactly what we’re getting ourselves into,” she said.
