By Baptist Message staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. (LBM) – Tens of thousands of pro-life supporters descended upon the nation’s capitol to show their support for the unborn during the 49th annual national March for Life, Friday, Jan. 21.
“As we stand one step closer to saving the unborn, I encourage you keep marching,”
U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, who represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, told the estimated 150,000 marchers in Washington, D. C. “Keep advocating. Keep praying. Keep fighting. Because ultimately we will prevail.”
She was optimistic an upcoming ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson which presently is before the Supreme Court could overturn or gut Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that legalized abortion in the U.S.
The annual march brought together pro-life supporters of different denominations, ages and ethnic backgrounds to declare opposition to Roe v. Wade.
The current 6-3 majority appointed by Republicans to this highest federal court has led to speculation that Roe v. Wade could be overturned.
In Louisiana, four marches were held over the weekend: Lake Charles, Baton Rouge and Shreveport-Bossier City (Jan. 22) and Monroe-West Monroe (Jan. 23). A final march is scheduled Feb. 5, beginning at 10 a.m., on the campus of Louisiana Christian University and ending at the riverfront in Pineville.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, preliminary numbers for the state (latest data available) showed that 7,448 abortions were performed in 2020, a decrease from 8,144 reported in 2019.
