Hundreds Brave Pouring Rain to Join Ohio March for Life
Pro-life Ohioans filled the Statehouse grounds Friday for the state’s fifth annual March for Life, turning out in the rain for a rally and march calling for protection of unborn children.
The gathering at 1 Capitol Square opened with a 10 a.m. worship session, followed by an 11 a.m. rally and a noon march. The Center for Christian Virtue had told supporters to come “rain or shine” because “the unborn need your voice.”
“An hour before the Ohio March for Life and the crowd is already showing up – rain won’t stop us from declaring the Love of Jesus and the dignity of every life!!” said Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christian Virtue.
Former Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said the weather did not keep people away. “Rain and rumors of rain didn’t keep thousands from showing up to march for Life,” Yost said. “The government cannot take away the right to life—it can only refuse to protect it.”
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The Center for Christian Virtue called the crowd an “INCREDIBLE turnout” and said U.S. Sen. Jon Husted and Ohio Senate President Rob McColley “both shared inspiring remarks at the rally.”
Husted told the crowd he is alive because his birth mother chose to give him up for adoption, and he spoke about the need for restrictions on abortion drugs, Statehouse News Bureau reporter Jo Ingles reported from the rally. The Center for Christian Virtue said he was “sharing his adoption story” and that “All life is a gift and adoption is beautiful.”
McColley, whom Ingles identified as the running mate of Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, also addressed the crowd.
Ohio House Republicans said they joined the march. “Ohio House Republicans were excited to join Ohio’s 5th Annual March for Life. Rain or shine, we’re proud to stand up for life!” the caucus said.
Peter Range, who had urged people to meet him at the Statehouse, said afterward, “Wow! Pro-Life Ohio showed up today even in the rain!!! We will win this battle – these crowds prove it – we just can’t give up!!!!”
Chloe, a Turning Point USA field representative, said rain kept her group from setting up a table, but volunteers still worked the crowd. “Even though we didn’t have a table due to the rain we still took charge, got out there, and got people involved!” she said. “So many people pledged to vote, checked their voter registration status, grabbed free pins and Charlie Kirk bracelets, and stopped by to learn more about Club America!”
The Catholic Diocese of Columbus had scheduled a 9 a.m. Mass for Life at St. Joseph Cathedral, a block from the Statehouse, before the rally. The march was organized to encourage state legislators to respect the rights of the unborn.
