Louisiana to Hold First-Ever Pro-Life March at State Capital

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jan 17, 2011   |   2:17PM   |   Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana is one of the most pro-life states in the country in terms of the belief of its people and the kinds of laws it has approved to reduce abortions. But the state has never had a March for Life at the state capital, until now.

On Saturday, pro-life citizens will gather for the first ever Louisiana Life March to solemnly mark the 38th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that has resulted in 53 million abortions since 1973.

Louisiana Right to Life, Louisiana Family Forum, the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Life and Justice Committee, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, the Knights of Columbus, and the Concerned Women for America organization are sponsors of the inaugural event.

Benjamin Clapper, director of Louisiana Right to Life, told LifeNews.com: “We are looking forward to uniting the pro-life people of Louisiana, across all denominational lines, to take a stand for life in our Capital.  We believe this historic movement can help us move closer to an abortion-free Louisiana.  We encourage all people to join us.”

Participants will gather at the Old State Capitol at 10:00 a.m. and march to the State Capitol. There, faith, civic, and community leaders will lead prayer and speak to the participants. The speakers include Senator David Vittter, Dr. Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention, Bishop Robert W. Muench of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Fr. Shenan Boquet, and more.

After the program, a Life Ministry Mobilization area near the steps of the Capitol will allow participants to learn about pro-life ministries in the state. [related]

Following the event, Governor Jindal will participate in a closed ‘Life Summit and Reception’ in the Governor’s Mansion for key leaders to discuss ways to develop a stronger pro-life Louisiana.