Thousands attended the 2026 March for Life, where Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, addressed participants and reiterated his commitment to anti-abortion advocacy. Smith, who has represented New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress since 1981 and succeeded Frank Thompson, spoke about his long-standing involvement in the pro-life movement.
Smith highlighted his personal connection to the cause, stating, “I met my dear wife, Marie, more than fifty years ago in the pro-life movement—and today, like you, we are more committed, hope-filled, determined and—let me add—more impatient than ever to see ‘life celebrated as a gift from God.’”
He called on attendees to renew their efforts: “With indomitable faith, compassion, and tenacity, we must recommit to protecting the weakest and most vulnerable.” Smith also referenced scripture: “Above all, we must pray, fast, and work—claiming God’s promises as in 2 Chronicles 7:14: ‘If my people… humble themselves and pray… I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land.'”
Smith noted that over 2,700 pregnancy resource centers across the United States provide support for women considering alternatives to abortion. He expressed concern over efforts by some state governments—including New Jersey—to restrict these centers or require participation in abortion services.
Citing recent data from a Knights of Columbus Marist poll released this week showing broad public support for pregnancy resource centers—including among Democrats—Smith stated: “The Knights of Columbus Marist poll released this week… found that 84% of all Americans—including75% of Democrats—support pregnancy resource centers.”
He referenced legislative developments in Congress: “This week, the House passed HR 6945, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, introduced by Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach to ensure that pregnancy resource centers remain eligible for vital federal funding under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).”
Smith criticized those he described as promoting abortion through politics and media: “The purveyors of death—and their enablers in politics, the media, and academia—aggressively foster a culture of death…” He raised concerns about mifepristone (the abortion pill), calling it dangerous for both unborn children and women. Referring to an April 28 report by the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), he said: “On April 28, 2025… ‘The Abortion Pill Harms Women…’ found that more than one out of ten (10.93%) women who take the chemical abortion drug mifepristone experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging or another serious adverse event within 45 days.”
Smith appealed to journalists regarding coverage of these issues: “With respect, I appeal to the media to investigate the coverup of the harmful effects on women from the abortion pill…”
He also discussed President Trump’s reinstated Mexico City Policy related to foreign aid: “President Trump’s new Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance… is the best and most comprehensive iteration…” Smith argued that this policy prevents U.S. funds from supporting organizations abroad that perform or promote abortions.
He cited a recent national Marist poll indicating most Americans oppose taxpayer-funded abortions overseas: “A new national Marist poll released yesterday found that a huge majority of Americans—69 %—oppose using tax dollars to support abortion in other countries.”
In closing remarks at the march Smith said: “Each day despite setbacks—thanks to your efforts and prayers—many unborn children and their mothers have been are being—and will be protected. We know that injustice need not be forever. Life is such an amazing gift. There are no throwaways.”
Smith was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953. He currently lives in Manchester Township. He graduated with a BS from The College of New Jersey in 1975.
