HARRISBURG, Pa. — Organizers are inviting Pennsylvanians out to the Capitol today to advocate for state policies that respect the human dignity of every person, both born and unborn.
The March for Life rally brings in hundreds of pro-life advocates from across the state and even some local senators and House Representatives.
“I think some of the strongest pro-life advocates used to be a part of the abortion industry; what caused them to switch is understanding the humanity of an unborn child and understanding how abortions hurt women, how abortions can destroy life,” Alexis Sneller, policy analyst at Pennsylvania Family Institute, said.
The Pennsylvania Family Institute is an organization that prides itself on "strengthen[ing] families by restoring to public life the traditional, foundational principles and values essential for the well-being of society," according to its website. Sneller says this year, it's trying to bring attention to pregnancy resource centers.
“Pregnancy resource centers are places for women who might find themselves in a difficult and unexpected pregnancy or just need some kind of help,” said Sneller.
Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit organization that advocates abortions with its “Bans Off Our Bodies” initiative, is also debating the issue. Planned Parenthood of Greater Harrisburg prides itself on advocating for public policies that protect and expand reproductive rights and access to a full range of sexual and reproductive health care services, including abortion.
“Access to the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health care is a matter of personal liberty, privacy, and autonomy,” said Signe Espinoza, executive director of Planned Parenthood PA Advocates. "The opposition will do and say anything to paint a false narrative about abortion, but we know the facts. Abortion is common, safe, and legal in the state of Pennsylvania and we're going to continue fighting to keep it that way."
According to Espinoza, polling shows that up to 80% of Pennsylvanians want abortion to remain a legal option—“a decision that is made by them and their doctors, not by politicians.”
Organizers say the March for Life rally is one of Harrisburg’s largest rallies. Several pro-life organizations will be in attendance, as well as Senator Kristin Phillips Hill (Senate District 28), Senator Michelle Brooks (Senate District 50) and Representative Josh Kail (District 15 ).