The March for Life, the nation’s largest annual anti-abortion rally, took place in Washington on Friday amidst concerns about the future of the movement. Activists in attendance acknowledged the challenges they face in an election year, including a public that is largely supportive of abortion rights and a Republican party that is becoming more hesitant to engage in the fight against abortion. The thinning crowds at the march, due in part to inclement weather, reflected the discouragement and difficulty the movement is experiencing in maintaining momentum.
The anti-abortion movement saw a significant victory with the appointment of Donald Trump as president, who became the first and only sitting president to attend the march in 2016. His administration reshaped the Supreme Court, leading to the overturning of Roe v Wade in June 2022. However, since that victory, the movement has faced mounting challenges from growing public support for reproductive rights and electoral defeats. These challenges will come to a head in the upcoming presidential election, where abortion is expected to be a leading issue.
Even though Trump is likely to be the Republican nominee, he has called for “compromise” from anti-abortion activists, signaling a retreat from his previous staunch position. This has left activists concerned and uncertain about the level of support they can expect from Republican politicians. The anti-abortion movement experienced a sense of triumph in the immediate aftermath of the overturning of Roe v Wade, as Republican-controlled states swiftly moved to enact abortion bans. However, these policies have provoked anger among the public and have actually boosted support for reproductive rights.
Recent polls indicate that around 69% of voters believe that abortion should be legal within the first three months of pregnancy, the period when most abortions occur. Additionally, data released by a research group affiliated with the Society of Family Planning revealed that the average number of monthly abortions increased in the first year following the demise of Roe v Wade. These findings challenge the anti-abortion movement’s belief that they were “saving babies” and achieving their intended goals.
The political landscape has proven difficult for Republicans who have faced repeated electoral losses due to their anti-abortion stance. Democrats have emerged victorious in abortion-related ballot measures, even in Republican-controlled states. The politics of the issue have become toxic for Republicans, leading to increasing unease among lawmakers who fear the backlash of a strict anti-abortion position. In Congress, some House members have refused to sign onto legislation recognizing life at the moment of conception, and in the Senate, Lindsey Graham’s 20-week ban proposal was quickly shut down by his own party members.
Even Trump, who previously championed the anti-abortion cause, has shifted his position and called for compromise, acknowledging that winning elections requires concessions. This has frustrated and angered some activists who feel that the Republican party lacks moral courage on the issue of abortion. However, there remains a significant number of activists who, despite their disappointment, will likely support Trump as the Republican nominee, believing that he will still deliver on his promises if re-elected.
The future of the anti-abortion movement in an election year is uncertain. With mounting public support for reproductive rights and a Republican party that is increasingly wary of a strict anti-abortion stance, the movement must navigate a delicate balancing act. The outcome of the presidential election will greatly impact the movement’s trajectory, as the pro-life generation weighs its options and evaluates candidates based on their alignment with anti-abortion values. Regardless of the challenges they face, many activists remain hopeful that their cause will prevail with the right leadership and strategic decision-making.
