Congressman Christopher H. Smith, District 4 | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Christopher H. Smith, District 4 | Official U.S. House headshot
The March for Life Education and Defense Fund has announced the speakers for the 2025 March for Life, scheduled for Friday, January 24. The lineup includes Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, New Jersey Representative Chris Smith, and Live Action President Lila Rose.
Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, will also address attendees at the event.
“We are overjoyed to welcome these inspiring pro-life leaders at this year’s 52nd March for Life,” stated Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. Mancini emphasized that "the March for Life has powerfully witnessed to the tragedy of abortion while calling for stronger protections for women and the unborn." This year's theme is “Life: Why We March,” highlighting the inherent human dignity of every life.
The rally is set to begin at noon with the march following at 1 p.m.
Governor DeSantis, a Catholic, signed legislation in April 2023 banning abortions in Florida once a fetal heartbeat is detected. A referendum in 2024 aimed to establish a legal right to abortion in Florida's constitution but failed to pass. DeSantis was a vocal opponent of this measure.
Representative Smith co-chairs the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and holds an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America due to his voting record on pro-life issues.
Lila Rose founded Live Action in 2003 when she was just 15 years old.
Other notable speakers include professional surfer Bethany Hamilton; Josiah Presley, an abortion survivor; Dr. Catherine Wheeler, a former abortionist turned pro-life obstetrician; Beverly Jacobson from Mama Bear Care; Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod; Jennie Bradley Lichter from March for Life; and Hannah Lape from Wheaton College Voice for Life.
Jennie Bradley Lichter expressed her enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be joining the March for Life at this pivotal moment," adding that she looks forward to sharing testimonies with other dedicated individuals fighting for life.
Christian rock band Unspoken will perform before the rally begins. Julie Stone from Sopranojam Music Studio will sing the national anthem.
This announcement was initially published online on January 10, 2025.
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