A peaceful yet passionate crowd of about 500 people gathered at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, braving freezing temperatures to support the cause of protecting unborn children. The event, organised by Pro-Life Utah, marked the 11th annual March for Life and brought together people from different faiths, including Catholics and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This rally comes at a significant time, just months before Utah’s courts will once again hear arguments over the state’s abortion laws.
Different voices united for life
The event featured a line-up of young and passionate speakers. Students from Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University (BYU), and Chesterton Academy shared their thoughts on why they believe in standing up for unborn children.
Sarah Clark, the founder of TPUSA at Utah Valley University, along with current student leaders and BYU student Kai Schwemmer, all addressed the crowd. They spoke about the value of life, the power of faith, and the importance of standing strong in their beliefs.
Utah’s ongoing abortion debate
Currently, abortion is legal in Utah up to 18 weeks of pregnancy. However, a more restrictive law was passed in 2020, allowing abortions only under limited conditions. This law briefly went into effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, but it was quickly blocked by the courts. Since then, the legal status of abortion in Utah has been tied up in court battles.
With oral arguments set to begin in four months, the issue remains a deeply emotional and controversial topic in the state.
Young people speak out with hope
Many students who attended the rally expressed strong hope that Utah will become more pro-life in the future. Mary Clare Sanderson, a student at Chesterton Academy, pointed out a painful contrast. Some pregnancies are joyfully celebrated with gender reveal parties and name decisions, while others are ended at the same stage through abortion.
Her classmate, Ronak Tathireddy, said, “Every baby has the potential to live a full life. If that life is ended before birth, their purpose on Earth never gets fulfilled.” Luke Ritter, another student, emphasised the need to support adoption and encourage mothers to keep their children whenever possible.
Seeing abortion from a different perspective
For some students, learning the truth about abortion changed their views. Leiden Seethaler and Lucky Jamison, both students at Utah Valley University, said even their friends who usually avoid political topics care deeply about abortion. Seethaler added that if more people saw what an abortion truly involves, many would rethink their opinions.
Speeches highlight the spiritual side of the issue
During the rally, BYU student Kai Schwemmer described the abortion debate as more than just political. He called it a spiritual battle that affects every life. Schwemmer stressed that no one’s life should be ended because of their circumstances—be it poverty, unplanned pregnancy, or society’s judgments. “Hardship is part of life,” he said. “But it’s never a reason to take away life.”
Sarah Clark, speaking next, addressed members of her church and urged them to stand firm in their beliefs. She said that free agency—the freedom to choose—is not a license to support abortion, and that God’s teachings are clear on the matter.
To women who have had abortions, Clark shared a heartfelt message of hope, saying God’s love, healing, and support are always available. “Your pain is our pain, and our Saviour’s pain,” she said.
Church’s official position on abortion
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that human life is sacred. It opposes elective abortions for personal or social reasons. However, the church allows exceptions in cases of rape, incest, serious danger to the mother’s life or health, or if the baby cannot survive after birth.
Even then, members are encouraged to pray and seek guidance from church leaders before making such a serious decision.
