ST. PAUL — Thousands of Minnesotans joined the 2020 Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) March for Life today at the state Capitol in St. Paul to mourn the injustice of abortion and to call for protection for unborn children and support for their mothers. The annual event marks the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions, which struck down laws protecting unborn children nationwide.
"I am incredibly energized looking out at so many Minnesotans, all from different backgrounds and walks of life, willing to brave the weather and stand side by side in defense of the most vulnerable," Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) told the robust crowd gathered from across the state.
Since the Supreme Court's rulings, more than 60 million human beings have been legally killed through abortion in the United States, including about 650,000 in Minnesota. While the number of abortions has declined in recent years, 9,910 unborn Minnesota children lost their lives in 2018 alone, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
"We must never forget the devastation of abortion. Each life lost is irreplaceable," MCCL's Cathy Blaeser said during the program on the Capitol steps. "As we look forward to the coming year—to pending court cases, to legislative battles, and to the elections this fall that could impact life for decades to come—let's remember the crucial importance of every single innocent human being."
MCCL announced support for two pro-life bills in the upcoming state legislative session. One bill (H.F. 1312 and S.F. 1609) would protect unborn children from abortion after 20 weeks post-conception, when substantial evidence shows they can experience pain. The other bill (H.F. 1108 and S.F. 1168) would ensure that abortion-seeking women have the option to view their ultrasound prior to undergoing abortion. Both measures advanced last year in the Minnesota Senate but failed to do so in the House.
Stauber, whose son has Down syndrome, explained his support for federal legislation to prohibit abortion on the basis of that diagnosis. "I believe life is a gift that must be cherished and defended," he said. "Whenever I look at my son Isaac, I see a marvelous creation from God."
Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) and Assistant House Minority Leader Tony Albright (R-Prior Lake) also addressed the crowd of pro-life Minnesotans and applauded their commitment. "You're standing up for life, and yet you still care for the women who have gone through abortion," said Gazelka. "You're compassionate; you're reaching out to them to bring healing."
Congressmen Collin Peterson (MN-07) and Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) sent written greetings. Numerous Minnesota legislators, former Congressman Jason Lewis, and former Lieutenant Governor Michelle Fischbach attended the March and were introduced to the crowd.
Photos from the 2020 MCCL March for Life are available online.