Students for Life, a pro-life organization for college students, rallied on the steps of the Supreme Court building in Washington D.C. on Tuesday in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that paved the way for legalized abortion.
Some protesters carried “We are the pro-life generation” signs, while others lined the Supreme Court steps wearing tape across their mouths with the word “Life” scrawled across it.
Students for Life President Kristan Hawkins said, “This generation is actually more pro-life than our parent’s generation.”
“Historically people assume that the younger people are more liberal…but that is not the case,” she added.
A Gallup Poll that came out in May, claims that only 46 percent of young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 are pro-choice. A newer poll from the Wall Street Journal found that seven in 10 Americans do not want Roe v. Wade to be overturned, but the WSJ poll did not break down the findings by age.
Following Monday’s Students for Life press conference, which attracted just 30 pro-life activists, members spread 3,300 roses across the Supreme Court steps symbolizing the 3,300 abortions that happen everyday.
“Today’s press conference was a peaceful prayer vigil,” Hawkins said. “It was a time for us to reflect about pro-life over the past forty years and it sets the stage of where we ‘re going in 2013 and in the years beyond.”
The Hilaman family traveled from Virginia for the rally, because according to mom Jennifer Hilaman, “it’s horrific that on American soil…we murder our own children.”
Jennifer and Rick Hilaman also decided to bring their teenage children Ricky and Makayla to join the fight against abortion.
“Well I don’t think it’s right that people kill babies,” 15-year-old Ricky said. Looking towards his parents, he added. “They brought me up to always let a baby live.”
Makayla, who is 18, said she’s pro-life because “it’s really immoral, and it’s against my religious beliefs.”
Despite the fact that President Barack Obama, who is pro-choice, was reelected to a second term and will likely have the opportunity to put several additional pro-choice Associate Justices on the Supreme Court soon, Jennifer Hilaman claims Roe v. Wade will be overturned in 2013.
“I guarantee you that,” she promised.
While others at the rally lacked Hilaman’s confidence, they were hopeful there was a way to push through pro-life legislation on a statewide level.
“The Supreme Court is a pretty difficult way,” Hawkins admitted. “I know that’s how it came into being, but it might have to go back to the states.”
Students for Life will protest at the Supreme Court once again on Friday for the 40th March for Life, joining thousands of pro-life advocates in the world’s largest human rights demonstration.
