March for Life: young people voice their support for those who can’t

They voluntarily walked in the frigid cold of a North Dakota winter because they knew their cause was right.

Hundreds of young people from across the state, from the University of Mary in Bismarck, Shanley High School in Fargo, Velva, Karlsruhe, Dickinson, and elsewhere, descended on the state capitol grounds in Bismarck on Jan. 29 to mark the anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision, which legalized abortion in the United States.

Many of those standing on the lawn of the state capitol building hoped to be in Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life, but due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the 2021 March for Life became a virtual event. For young people in North Dakota, that wasn’t good enough. So, spurred by pro-life groups from the University of Mary, students marched to the state capitol. Although their numbers were limited due to COVID concerns, their zeal made up for the lower attendance.

“This generation of young people are deeply committed to the value of life and are very passionate about the pro-life movement,” said Father William Slattery, Chaplain of Shanley High School. “They have been bombarded by a culture that exploits, demeans, and objectifies and in the face of these pressures their hearts remain open, hopeful, and committed to justice.”

One of the speakers at the Bismarck rally was North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer. He told the young people gathered that, even among those who disagree with their pro-life stance, their voices are being heard, especially in Washington. D.C. That message seemed to resound with those marching.

“Even if they don’t agree with us, we’re still putting ourselves out there and making our opinion known, and it can be such a powerful thing,” said Autumn Kotrba, a junior at Shanley. “Going on the March for Life and standing up for what I believe in is something I take a lot of pride in, and since we couldn’t go to Washington D.C. this year, I felt like I might as well do everything I can, so I came today.”

“I had a basketball game today, but I thought this was the most important thing for me to do because life is the most important thing,” said Anthony Wanner, a junior at Shanley. “A lot of my friends are Catholic, but even my friends who aren’t Catholic say abortion should at least be limited, and I know some of them aren’t entirely pro-life, but I know many of them are.”

“In this past year we have experienced many challenges as a nation,” added Father Slattery. “These challenges are not missed by our young people. They have been learning, first-hand, the sacrifices that are required to care for others, particularly the vulnerable and the oppressed. They hear the voice of those crying for justice and equality and have come to see the necessity of rights, especially the right to life. Each year, the pro-life movement grows stronger, and our youth are answering the call to justice.”