“Why I March”
On March 25th, thousands will gather in Springfield, Illinois, for the Illinois Pro-Life March - fighting for the women and children harmed by abortion.
Every year, WeDignify students lead the march. Keep reading to meet those students!
“I’ve witnessed numerous friends & classmates struggle with their studies or extracurriculars. It always seemed like there was something going on, yet when I needed help, they were always willing to step up and fight beside me. Today’s culture is centered around self-advancement and lack of compassion. I have seen how this culture dehumanizes the unborn, and deceives women into believing that abortion is their only way out. I march because all human life deserves protection, and for those women who have bravely chosen life, even when odds are stacked against them.”
- Sarah
“Volunteering to set up a retreat for women who had abortions showed me how abortions hurt women for the rest of their lives. Abortion is sold as a way to help women in need but hearing from one of the leaders of the retreat about how abortion hurt her and so many other women, there is nothing caring about the inescapable pain that it causes. This experience made me realize how far and for how long the pain abortion causes can endure. I march for life to show that every life, no matter how small, deserves to be protected.”
- Josh
“Learning about the unplanned pregnancies in my family came as a shock to me. I have always been around such strong women, unaware of the choices and sacrifices made to keep their babies. It pains me to see how much our culture diminishes the value of life and circumstances women can overcome. This helped me appreciate the gift of life and the sacrifices mothers and their support systems have to make. I march for life no matter the circumstance.”
- Kelcee
“I would not be standing here before you today if it wasn't for adoption. Years ago, my biological grandmother decided to courageously and lovingly make an adoption plan for my father. It was by no means an easy choice, but my grandma knew that it was the right one for her. If my dad had never been adopted, then he would have never met my mom and I would have never been born. I march for life for all of the babies who can be saved by adoption.”
- Cavan
“I remember the first time I learned about the options available to a woman dealing with a crisis pregnancy. I learned you don’t have to end the life of a child to support a woman. There are other paths, like adoption or pregnancy resource centers, that are safer for everyone. I spent so long thinking abortion was the only choice, and I don’t want anyone else to do the same. I march for women who think they are alone, so they can find the help they need for themselves, and their children.”
- Matthew
“Hi! I’m Miriam and I march because of the lack of visibility of support resources for women in unplanned pregnancies. As an involved sophomore at UIUC, I struggle at times with the anxieties of everyday college life. Becoming pregnant in college would add numerous challenges to these stresses. Oftentimes, these unplanned pregnancies are discussed as if abortion is the only option, and students are not aware of the financial and emotional resources available to them at no cost. I believe that no one should feel alone when processing this news, and every woman should have the full support of her community behind her. I march to advocate for both women and their babies.”
- Miriam