With a newly elected pro-life speaker and the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives, pro-life advocates say that their prospects are brighter.
Since 1974, thousands have made their way to the Washington, D.C., to take part in the annual March for Life. This year, leaders of the pro-life movement said they have gained ground.
“I think there’s a lot of momentum on our side,” said Kristan Hawkins, executive director of Students for Life of America. “The tide is turning.”
They have been encouraged by polls that show slightly more Americans identify themselves as pro-life than pro-choice. According to Gallup, the trend is true even among younger Americans.
“This country is majority pro-life,” Hawkins said. “The young people in this country are majority pro-life. So, the majority’s on our side, we just need to get the law on our side.”
Those laws may be taking shape.
CBN News spoke with Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List. Click play for her comments on the progress the pro-life movement is making, and challenges activists now face.
“A ban on taxpayer funding of abortion is the will of the people and ought to be the law of the land,” House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said.
Last week, House Republicans introduced legislation that would put a permanent ban on taxpayer-funded abortions.
Abortion opponents have also been buoyed by last November’s election gains — electing more pro-life governors and lawmakers who can enact more limits and curbs on abortion at the state level.
President Barack Obama has voiced his support for efforts to reduce unintended pregnancies and promote adoption. However, over the weekend on the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, he issued a statement saying he’s committed to protecting “women’s health and reproductive freedom” and the principle “that government should not intrude on private family matters.”
Those in the pro-life movement remain upbeat.
“We have a lot of momentum and a lot of hope,” Hawkins said. “We’re looking more forward to 2012 so hopefully we can take the Senate and the presidency for life.”
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