Vice President J.D. Vance exhorted the crowd during a speech at Friday’s March for Life rally in Washington, D.C., saying he wants to see “more babies” and “more happy children” in the United States.
Vance hit on a theme he touted often during the presidential campaign, usually in context of explaining his “childless cat ladies” comment from years ago. On Friday, however, Vance’s audience was tens of thousands of like-minded marchers braving the cold.
"We have failed a generation not only by permitting a culture of abortion on demand but also by neglecting to help young parents achieve the ingredients they need to lead a happy and meaningful life," Vance said, following a video message by President Donald Trump, who was traveling to North Carolina and California on Friday.
"A culture of radical individualism took root — one where the responsibilities and joys of family life were seen as obstacles to overcome, not as personal fulfillment or personal blessing,” said Vance, a devout Roman Catholic.
Vance added, "I want more babies in the United States of America; I want more happy children in our country; and I want beautiful young men and young women who are eager to welcome them into the world and eager to raise them.”
Trump, who in 2020 became the first sitting president to attend and speak at the rally, on Friday touted the “historic gains” since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
“We will protect the historic gains we have made and stop the radical Democrat push for a federal right for unlimited abortion on demand up to the moment of birth and even after birth. Think of that — after birth, and some people want that. Can you believe it?” Trump said in his video message.
Trump’s comments came a day after he pardoned 23 pro-life protesters who were prosecuted by the Biden administration’s Justice Department under the FACE Act — Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances — passed in 1994 by a Democrat-controlled Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. It prohibits the use of force, threats of force, or physical obstruction against anyone who is seeking or providing reproductive health services.
Vance concluded his comments by commending rallygoers for “saving lives already,” adding that because of them, it’s “possible for us to stand here and say that America is fundamentally a pro-baby, a pro-life, and a pro-family country."
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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