Thousands of pro-life demonstrators marched through central London on Saturday for the annual March for Life UK, calling for greater protections for unborn children and opposing further liberalization of abortion laws.
The march began at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster and ended at Parliament Square. Organizers said the event comes amid continuing debate over abortion law in England, Scotland, and Wales, including restrictions around abortion facilities.
March for Life organizer Ben Thatcher said the event was intended to affirm the dignity of every human life.
“Every single human life is made in the image and likeness of God,” he told EWTN News, adding that abortion represents a tragedy for individuals, families, and society.
Fifteen Catholic bishops attended the march after celebrating Mass at Westminster Cathedral. Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark said participants were united in defending human life “from conception to natural death.”
Pro-life demonstrators carried banners reading “Abortion hurts the family” and “Abortion Bans Save Lives,” while singing Christian hymns as they marched through Westminster.
Last year’s London March for Life drew approximately 10,000 participants, according to organizers. This year’s event again demonstrated the continuing strength of the pro-life movement in Britain as Parliament and the public remain divided over abortion policy.