The college student's guide to the March for Life

You’re reading Align’s pro-life issue: our look at some of the different people and perspectives within the anti-abortion movement. Please also see our dispatches from OneLife LA and theMarch for Life; interviews with comedians JP Sears and Nicholas De Santoand skyscraper-scaling activist Maison DesChamps; Robin Atkins on how to talk to pro-choice advocates; and Kevin Ryan on abortion’s brutal culling of people with Down syndrome.

Last year I had the privilege of attending the 50th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., with some of my fellow students at Liberty University. Although I was unable to attend this year's march, my memories of that day are still fresh in my mind. Being a part of the thousands of people celebrating life in the womb and calling for its protection was incredibly gratifying and moving and is something I can't recommend highly enough.

That said, getting the most out of the march requires preparation. For those planning on going to future marches, I've compiled a few tips I picked up from my experience.

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Planning the trip

When planning your trip to Washington, look for an organization that is taking students. There might even be one at your college. For example, the Standing for Freedom Center at Liberty University took about 1,000 Liberty students to the March for Life in 2024. The center completely covered the cost of the travel, breakfast, lunch, water, and a Liberty-branded beanie. Not a bad deal.

If you choose to go without an organization, keep in mind that getting there can be a challenge. Road closures will make the already bad traffic even worse, so the Metro may be preferable to your own car or an Uber. Give yourself extra time to get to the march, especially if you want to attend the rally beforehand. More information on travel, lodging, and the schedule of events can be found on the March's official site.

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What to bring/how to dress

January in Washington is COLD, typically ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-40s F. Check the forecast, but I would layer no matter what the weather report says, a lesson I learned the hard way. Along the same lines, wear weatherproof shoes. Don’t be the guy who shows up to walk in miles of sludge and snow in tennis shoes. There were many such cases this year — and I bet they regretted it!

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Are you thinking about bringing a homemade sign? You absolutely can! There is something so invigorating about marching for a cause with a sign that you took time to make — complete with your favorite slogan. However, if you come empty-handed, there are plenty of pro-life organizations eager to supply you with an Instagram-worthy placard.

If you’re wearing a bag, make sure it’s crossbody. While the March is a safe event with a good police presence, Washington is still a big city with a notable crime rate. Also, water isn’t readily available, so carrying a water bottle or two is a great idea.

How to prepare mentally

We didn't encounter much in the way of counterprotests, and apparently that's how it is every year. So you can tell your parents not to worry. Still, it can't hurt to choose this occasion as an excuse to beef up your pro-life apologetics.The March for Life organization has a wealth of information at your disposal, while the Standing for Freedom Center offers a Christian refutation of the ten most common pro-abortion arguments. Live Action also has a plethora of articles and facts to help you better articulate your position.

Standing for Freedom Center

While honing your debate skills, don't neglect prayer, which pairs extremely well with marching. My school had us covered with a pamphlet detailing how to pray for unborn babies, mothers and fathers, the church and pro-life ministries, and the governing authorities. Prayer is powerful. It’s best to get your heart right with the Lord before attempting change in the world.

I hope this information serves you well should you decide to go to next year's March — and I hope you do!

In the words of my Liberty classmate Grant May, who attended the March with the Standing for Freedom Center, "A third of my generation is missing today because of abortion, and so it is critical that we step up and speak out for those that cannot speak out for themselves. The March was incredibly high-energy and yet sobering at the same time. We were letting our elected leaders know that it’s far past time to put the pagan practice of infant sacrifice behind us and return to a time when everyone has equal protection under law regardless of what stage of life they are in.”

Editor's note: This article has been corrected to note that the author attended the March for Life in 2023, not 2024.