London March for Life showed how both sides can get it wrong and fail the unborn

Every year on the second Saturday of September, thousands of pro-life people from the UK and beyond participate in the annual March for Life in London.

Every year, the numbers of attendees increase drastically and this year we had between 8,000–10,000 show up!

During the morning, before the march, the event of LifeFest is held at the Emmanuel Centre in Victoria where there are talks, workshops and various activities. Attendees have a chance to learn more about the various anti-abortion organisations in the UK and the work they do.

Then, in the early afternoon we all gather on the street and the March for Life begins to Parliament Square, overlooked by the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the nucleus of British democracy and the laws that govern those who live in the UK – and those brought into the world who might live here too.

One thing I love about the march is how many people from different backgrounds attend, and which can really be showcased as we march. There are groups quietly walking and holding banners, others clutching beads and praying the rosary; there are groups that beat drums and string guitars singing upbeat gospel music and then, of course, you have us rambunctious young ones belting out pro-life chants and waving placards.

At Parliament Square we are usually faced with a small mob of angry pro-abortion protestors who, in previous years have spat, thrown eggs and cursed at us.

However, this year there was a barrier between both sides which prohibited them from doing this. Some of them managed to cross over the barrier and stood red-faced in front of the stage where an ex-abortionist, an abortion survivor and other speakers gave testimony,

Despite being asked to move, they wouldn’t. It is ironic that the intolerance of these “pro-choice” lobbyists emboldens them to disregard our choice to attend and hold this event. Despite this, the overall vibe of the day was electric. Families and young people represented the majority of marchers and their presence and enthusiasm had such a powerful and positive impact on the whole event.

It is easy to lose hope about the current abortion crisis in the UK. With a push for full decriminalisation and a recent vote to implement buffer zones outside clinics across the UK, it can feel like we are moving backwards with no end in sight to this grave human rights injustice.

RELATED: Silent prayer at abortion clinics again faces ban and criminal prosecution

But do not despair. More and more young people are waking up to the devastating reality of abortion for unborn babies and the consequences it has on mothers, fathers and families.

It may seem like the majority of the nation is pro-choice but I have found that most are only pro-choice by default – as that is what the media tells us we should be – and, when pushed, can be influenced to choose the truth and science above lies and twisted narratives.

With the constant advancement of technology, it is getting harder to deny the humanity of the unborn child – and pro-abortion advocates know this.

I do not think the majority of pro-abortion people genuinely believe there is no unborn human being involved in pregnancy; I think that many of them have directly or indirectly been affected by abortion and do not want to wake up to the reality of what that means for them.

Can you imagine having to admit you either killed or influenced another to kill a baby? The strength and courage it takes to face that reality is huge and it would do us all well to remember that and to treat the “opposition” with charity and kindness.

At the end of the march, when we arrived in Parliament Square a group of “Christian” men went over to the barrier opposite and started screaming back at the pro-abortion protestors. They were shouting “Christ is King”, “Jesus Christ” and “I’m your boyfriend” (???).

I was horrified. They reflected all the hatred and anger that the pro-abortionists have typically showed us and they severely damaged the reputation of the march due to their pride, carelessness and lack of Christian charity.

I went over and informed them that despite their well-intentioned efforts, this was not the way to go about things. This approach will never change hearts and minds. And we will never win this battle with pride and contempt.

We are called to reflect to all the infinite love God has for each and every one of us. We are called to share the Truth, with love – not hatred. We are called to stand up for what is right, without compromise but with compassion.

We can and will end abortion, but only when good men and women realise the power their actions and inactions have. If we are all able to do something, no matter how small, to support the pro-life cause, we will slowly but surely work our way to an abortion-free future and save millions of lives whilst we’re at it.

So next year, do consider joining us at the March for Life. Do contact other pro-life organisations around the UK to see how you can get involved. Small actions have big impacts.

RELATED: Five young Catholics explain why they are pro-life activists and marching for the unborn

Photo: London March for Life 2024; image from abortionresistance.org.uk.

Eden McCourt is a 26-year-old ‘cradle Catholic’ wife, mother and activist with Abortion Resistance, a non-religious campaign group for young pro-lifers.

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