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Villanovans
March in Washington
Colleen O’Boyle ‘04
 Jan.
22 marked the 31st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a legislative decision
that legalized abortion on demand in the United States. In commemoration
of this verdict, the Villanovans for Life traveled to Washington D.C.
to participate in the annual March for Life. “There's nothing better
than over a hundred thousand of us all celebrating life and letting society
today know that abortion will no longer be tolerated on our watch,”
said Michael Nataro, vice president of Villanovans for Life.
The group of 35 students left at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday
morning and arrived on the steps of Catholic University’s Basilica,
a common gathering place for marchers every year. After taking the metro
into the city, they soon joined tens of thousands of fellow marchers in
the center of our nation’s capital, representing Villanova University
among a host of other colleges from across the nation. Groups from Princeton,
Notre Dame, Kansas State and Harvard were just a few to be seen in the
crowds, along with fellow Philadelphia-based Immaculata University.
Pro-lifers gathered near the Washington Monument for a pre-march rally.
Speakers included congressmen and senators, including Melissa Hart of
Pennsylvania; religious leaders from Catholic, Jewish and Protestant faiths;
as well as figureheads from the pro-life movement. President Bush also
addressed the crowds by telephone, encouraging them in their work and
defense of life. “You believe, as I do, that every person, however
frail or vulnerable, is a blessing,” Bush began. “Each of
us has a special dignity, a place and purpose in this world.”
 After
applauding his words of support, the crowds marched up Constitution Avenue,
heading for the steps of the Supreme Court, where abortion became the
law of the land in 1973. Signs included “Defend Life,” “Women
Deserve Better than Abortion,” and “Stop Abortion Now.”
Chants and slogans such as, “Hey hey! Ho ho! Roe v. Wade has got
to go!” wafted through the crowds, unifying different groups by
proclaiming the same message.
The diverse messages and groups of people participating
in the March for Life resonated with Villanova students. Villanovans for
Life secretary Christina Kochanowski remarked, “What surprised me
the most was the variety of people who came down to D.C. with the same
agenda.” Atypical associations including Democrats for Life and
Feminists for Life graced the crowd, reminding pro-life advocates that
abortion is a concern that affects all Americans.
An overwhelming proportion of marchers were, however,
representative of a particular sector of Americans: the youth. From elementary
and high schools, to university students and young adults, the March enkindled
an energy that can only be generated by a young people.
 Overall,
the Villanovan students were pleased with their contribution to witnessing
for life. With the help of Dr. Barbara Wall and Dr. Christopher Janosik
in the Office for Mission Effectiveness, professors were encouraged to
make every reasonable accommodation for students in making up missed work.
The Villanovans for Life thank the University for their support, and look
forward to building the Culture of Life on campus in the upcoming months.
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