Local abortion opponents head to March for Life

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Tens of thousands of abortion opponents are in Washington for the 44th annual March for Life.

Among the crowd will be thousands of activists from the tri-state area.

Action News was there as several Philadelphia Catholic high schools departed from the Little Flower High School for Girls in Hunting Park.

Outside the Archdiocese Pastoral Center, the Office for Cultural Ministries boarded their DC-bound bus.

At the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, about 150 seminarians also departed for Washington.

The Archdiocese said it has been part of the March for Life since it began.

"We gathered together for Mass here in the morning, celebrated with each other, then we board the buses and celebrate down in Washington," said Father Joseph McCaffrey.

"Sometimes it's really overwhelming because there are so many crowds of people coming in, sometimes it's hard to get around, but it's amazing because there are so many people that come together in support of saving life," said Aiyana Martinez.

This year also marks the 44th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

"My hope is that us going down there will inspire people to know that it's not right for them to kill the children because kids, they have rights just like us. Even though they are unborn they have rights. Everyone has rights," said Nyree White.

They were looking forward to hearing Vice President Mike Pence's address to the rally. According to the White House, it's the first time a sitting vice president has done so.

"We want Congress, as well as the new president, as well as the rest of the nation, to hear that voice," said Father Chris Walsh of St. Raymond of Penafort.

"So hopefully that's part of their administrative agenda that can continue through Congress in promoting life issues and life agenda, and all life issues not just abortion issue," said McCaffrey.