Dawn Fitzpatrick, president of the March for Life Chicago, placed the March for Life in that context.
"Furious that Illinois legislators have made this state an abortion oasis for the Midwest, pro-life advocates from across the country are empowered to come together in a joyful gathering knowing we can build a brighter future," Fitzpatrick said Nov. 22.
"More people than ever plan to turn out for the March for Life Chicago."
This year's pro-life events are significantly larger in scope, she said.
"This expansion gives participants the opportunity to connect with companies, organizations, and other individuals from across the country who share their values. Now, they will depart ready to take further action in their own communities," said Fitzpatrick, who is also senior coordinator for Respect Life Ministries at the Chicago archdiocese.
In Colorado, Catholic Charities of Denver's Respect Life office organized the Jan. 11 Celebrate Life Rally and March. The rally will begin on the west steps of the state capitol in Denver followed by a march around Civic Center Park.
The event will begin with several morning Masses in the area, including one at the nearby Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The rally's keynote speaker is former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino. Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver will also speak at the rally.
The Denver event aims to emphasize a proposed 2020 ballot measure known as Initiative 120, which will ban late term abortions 22 weeks into pregnancy, with exemptions for abortions that in a doctor's judgement are an immediate threat to a woman's life.
"I urge all Catholics to get involved in this effort!" Archbishop Aquila said Jan. 7. "We must not let up in our efforts to ensure that the goodness of every human life is respected in our laws, our churches and our families."
Backers of the proposal must collect over 124,000 signatures by March 4 in order to qualify for the November 2020 election ballot.
In Richmond, Va. the second annual Virginia March for Life is scheduled for Feb. 13 at the state capitol. The state event was launched last year in response to abortion legislation in the state legislature, including a bill that its own sponsor admitted could allow abortion up to birth.
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The Texas Rally for Life, held in Austin Jan. 25, includes a walk to the capitol in Austin at 1 p.m., a rally at the capitol at 2 p.m., followed by a pro-life expo on the Great Walk of the Capitol Grounds. Organizers estimated 10,000 people attended last year.
Kevin J. Jones is a senior staff writer with Catholic News Agency. He was a recipient of a 2014 Catholic Relief Services' Egan Journalism Fellowship.