Despite temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, June 22, 2024, the scorching heat did not deter thousands of human rights activists from attending the fourth annual Walk for Life and Rally held at Independence Square in Philadelphia. The event was organized by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia and sponsored by the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Coalition.
The day began with a solemn mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, followed by a procession to the Philadelphia Women’s Center, culminating in a Life Rights Rally at the Independence Visitor Center. The event also saw a significant amount of baby items collected to prepare for the largest baby shower event scheduled for August 24 in Philadelphia.
“Despite the sweltering weather, people still came out because they need to loudly proclaim the truth. We hope this can inspire others,” said Tom Stevens, President and CEO of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, in an interview with The Epoch Times. “The guest speakers were fantastic, their words will inspire hearts. Many people are lining up to visit the Liberty Bell, where they can stand and hear the truth, see things worth seeing.”
Stevens firmly believes that promoting the idea that everyone has the right to be born will have a positive impact. “Every time we proclaim this truth, good things happen. We may not see the results, but a child may be saved tomorrow.”
He emphasized, “This is not just a political issue, nor a game of winning or losing. Life is at stake. It’s a moral dilemma of life and death.” “Facing this issue is our shared responsibility, and even in extreme weather conditions, we are here doing our best.”
Stevens shared the pain and struggles he witnessed among those in his own family who had abortions and regretted it. He mentioned seeing women choosing to cherish life, not giving up on their children. “Months later, they often express surprise that they once considered abortion, even made appointments at abortion centers, and now their children have become the most precious gift in their lives.” “We recently interviewed a woman who is about to graduate from our Pregnancy Center. She said she was grateful for the help. All she needed was a glimmer of hope. Now, her child is the greatest joy in her life.”
He pointed out the need for more laws to protect life in the country. “It’s necessary. We also need to continue defending our existing laws. Pennsylvania has relevant laws, such as the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act, but abortion rights groups are challenging these laws, and we must defend them.”
But he believed that laws alone are not enough, and more action and educational activities are needed to raise public awareness. “We need to hold such events. There should be active protests outside abortion clinics.” “At the same time, we need to educate in public places, schools, and churches.”
We must educate the public so that they can engage with lawmakers and have deep discussions about the issue of abortion, but more importantly, to understand the wonder of life, and the value of new life joining society. When a person becomes a grandparent, their life becomes more valuable and fulfilling. Siblings and parents reap incredible rewards, and the whole society benefits. We need to convey this message to lawmakers.
“No fetus will be ignored, but mothers need support. If they feel abandoned, fearful, or facing economic difficulties that make them feel they have no choice, then all of us are affected. Therefore, we are trying to address some of the issues that mothers face.”
Stevens introduced how his organization helps these mothers. “One of our initiatives is establishing a Pregnancy Center owned and operated by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia. We provide services in a disadvantaged area in Frankford, helping 70 mothers and families each month. We offer free laundry services, parenting classes, diapers and wipes, and baby items. In addition, we also organize a Mom’s Club, conducting various activities to support mothers. Our 28 member organizations are also doing similar work. So, we are continuously strengthening this support network.”
One of the guest speakers at the rally, Philadelphia lawyer Christine Flowers, expressed in an interview with The Epoch Times, “We are all human, whether it’s me talking to you now, or the me still in the womb.”
As an immigration lawyer specializing in asylum and refugee law, Flowers believed her profession is closely linked to her belief in the sanctity of unborn life. “I have been advocating all along. I am a columnist for a local newspaper, actively promoting anti-abortion initiatives through my articles.”
Regarding public support, Flowers stated, “Seeing so many people come out today to support the anti-abortion ideology, opposing abortion, makes me very pleased. I believe abortion is one of the most serious human rights violations of this century and in history.”
Flowers was gratified by the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Roe v. Wade case on June 24, 2022, a ruling that had previously legalized abortion in the United States. She said, “The good thing is that Roe v. Wade has been overturned because it hindered the enactment of laws that could truly protect life.”
However, she believed that the nation needs to enact more laws to protect life. “I firmly believe we need to ban abortion. I think we indeed need laws to achieve this goal. But the right way to do it is through legislative bodies, not judges who are not elected and lack accountability.”
“My passionate commitment to this issue is because the family I grew up in did not support anti-abortion measures. My school also did not advocate against abortion issues. So, I was a staunch supporter of abortion rights myself, an advocate for abortion rights. In high school, this became my tagline, and I went through a significant transformation on this issue. Years later, I am privileged to have the opportunity to convey the essence and value of human life to students like I was back then.” Lisa Eshleman, Director of Projects and Programs for Generation Life, and one of the rally’s speakers, said in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Eshleman emphasized that many, including herself, have been moved by the pain endured by women who have had abortions. “I have a friend who went through an abortion a few years ago, and she shared with me the pain and trauma that experience brought.”
To impart knowledge to young people, Eshleman visits schools to discuss anti-abortion issues, fetal development, and human life values. She said, “We also talk about the importance of chastity and healthy relationships. All of these help strengthen our message.”
Eshleman believed that families play a critical role in educating young people on this issue. “If there is no involvement from families, children do not receive education on this at home, do not feel loved and valued, then we won’t see the progress we hope for,” Eshleman expressed.
She pointed out that young girls see advertisements from Planned Parenthood on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, promoting abortion, and various influencers advocating for it. “Therefore, our message must be sharp, powerful, profound, and concise so that students can understand.”
Eshleman held an optimistic view of young people holding anti-abortion stances. “Every year, we engage with thousands of students. Overall, they are very willing to accept the information we share about fetal development, the value of human life, and the value each student possesses… I hope we can cultivate the next generation of anti-abortion supporters.”
“I was born into the Stan family, staunch supporters of the right to life.” “I am drawn to the pro-life movement because I live in a culture that recognizes that the answer does not lie in personal gratification or personal gain. What truly matters is that life itself is invaluable,” said Martin Stanton, grandson of John Stanton, founder of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Stanton emphasized that human beings should be granted dignity and respect from the moment of conception. “They should have the right to life, the right to live. Additionally, there are other rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But without the right to life, there can be no discussion of freedom and the pursuit of happiness. We firmly believe that every life is precious and beautiful. We must stand firm in this belief.”
Stanton believed that people should cherish life. “Many people struggle with infertility and have difficulty conceiving. Yet across the street, there are abortion clinics ready to mercilessly divide an infant, merely for convenience. Simply because someone wants to do so. There are many reasons people choose abortion, but in the end, it is a precious child in the eyes of God, a precious life.”
Recalling his grandfather, John Stanton, he said, “Stanton may have been one of the toughest, most generous, and loving individuals I have ever encountered. Every time I think of him and his wife, Zarya, and all they sacrificed, giving life to 12 children and a happy family, all rooted in their affirmation of life. Yes, we should do this. We should bravely embark on this wonderful journey. It’s because of their determination that we have so much love and life today.”
“I participate in this event to clearly show people that we are not afraid to openly advocate for the right to life. The message we want to convey is that life is crucial, we care about life, and we are willing to be here under the scorching sun, showing that we are not afraid to speak up for unborn babies,” said registered nurse Fischer in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Fischer emphasized that abortion is never part of healthcare. “Ultimately, the duty of healthcare professionals should not be to end lives.”
As a nurse, Fischer hoped to do everything in her power to help unborn babies and their mothers. “We are here to speak up for them, defend them, and do everything we can to save every baby. If necessary, we are willing to bring struggling mothers into our homes, help them through difficult times until they can give life to their children. Whatever mothers and babies need, we are here to support them.”
Fischer pointed out that the harm of abortion far outweighs its benefits. “In places like Philadelphia, since the 1970s when we became involved in this fight, there have been many young mothers who tragically died after having abortions.”
She believed that childbirth is the most natural physiological process. “A woman’s body is designed for childbirth, and the process is not dangerous. On the contrary, abortion is very unnatural and dangerous. A woman’s body is prepared for childbirth, all hormones are adjusting, such as increased blood volume, etc. Abortion, on the other hand, involves cutting arteries with sharp tools in a blind operation, causing many young women to lose the possibility of conceiving in the future.”
“What I advocate for is protecting the lives of babies, while also caring for the mother’s health because abortion only brings lifelong psychological trauma to the mother. She must bear the fact that she ended a life in the womb. This behavior goes against a woman’s instincts and can provoke unnatural aggression in women. Therefore, everything we witness today is actually a natural result,” she added.
Fischer believed that saving the life of every baby is an extraordinary feat. She said, “So we go out, offer assistance at clinics. Just like you saw today, with so many baby supplies, diapers, etc., we provide these items to mothers, hoping they feel supported because most mothers feel isolated. But we want them to know that we are here, no matter what they need, we can provide.”
“I decided to come here to support this cause. I firmly believe that protecting the lives of unborn babies is just and right. We should welcome these lives and protect them through the law,” said anti-abortion activist Cort Rosholt from New Jersey in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Rosholt believed that the best action people can take now may be voting in support of anti-abortion measures. But he also emphasized the importance of active involvement. He said, “For instance, people can testify outside local abortion clinics. Your presence and voice can bring about change. At local crisis pregnancy centers, you can also provide assistance to mothers in need. Your support could be their lifeline. In Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and across the United States, there are many crisis pregnancy centers.”
“These centers truly need the help of anti-abortion advocates. So, if people can engage in this, it would be very meaningful,” he stated.