Canada's National March for Life unites thousands on 55th anniversary of abortion law

Thousands gathered in Ottawa on May 14 for the National March for Life, marking the 55th anniversary of Canada’s abortion decriminalisation. The event drew a diverse crowd, including families, religious groups, and activists from various backgrounds. Meanwhile, a key figure in the pro-life movement faced health struggles as the march unfolded. The march began at Parliament Hill, stretching for nearly 25 minutes as participants filled the streets. Organisers chose a Thursday to ensure lawmakers were present to hear their message, according to Debbie Duval, the event’s coordinator. Among the speakers, Matthew Wojciechoski of Campaign Life Coalition demanded legal protections for human life from conception to natural death.

Rebecca Kiessling, a US lawyer and founder of Save the 1, shared her personal story of being conceived by rape and narrowly avoiding abortion. Her testimony drew attention to the march’s core themes. Meanwhile, Aleš Primc, co-founder of Slovenia’s Voice for Children and Families, led the crowd in greeting different groups, stressing unity and shared humanity. On stage, Conservative MP Arnold Viersen appeared with his two young children, reinforcing the family-focused tone. Earlier in the day, Archbishop Marcel Damphousse of Ottawa-Cornwall led a mass at Notre Dame Cathedral, joined by other religious leaders. The march’s timing in May was deliberate, marking the month the Omnibus Bill legalised abortion in Canada in 1969. Behind the scenes, the pro-life movement faced a setback. Jim Hughes, founder and former president of Campaign Life Coalition, was hospitalised with pneumonia. Jeff Gunnarson, the organisation’s current national president, reported that Hughes was not doing well.

The march concluded with calls for policy changes and a visible show of support from participants of all ages. The event’s organisers aimed to keep pressure on legislators while honouring the movement’s history. Meanwhile, concerns remained for Jim Hughes, whose health struggles added a somber note to the day’s proceedings.