The Walk for Life event in downtown San Francisco consistently draws large crowds advocating for the right to life. Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of contributing to EWTN’s live coverage of this significant event. This timeframe has coincided with notable events such as two presidential elections, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dobbs decision, which marked the decline of Roe v. Wade, and the births of my own children.

At each annual Walk for Life, two phenomena remain apparent: the steadfast peacefulness of the many participants, especially the enthusiastic youth, and the consistent but diminishing presence of protestors. While these protestors express their dissent through loud and angry rhetoric, it is noteworthy that their numbers have declined over the years.

A particularly poignant moment from the recent event involved a mother and her two young sons who passed by the rally. The sign at the rally stated, “Abortion Hurts Women.” When one boy inquired about abortion, his mother replied, “It’s when the mother doesn’t want to keep her baby.” This brief exchange lingered in my mind, prompting me to consider how such discussions shape understanding and values around the fundamental right to life.

This encounter led me to reflect on how the children might interpret the complexities of life and rights. Would they question whether life itself is seen as a human right or merely a commodity? Are there deeper implications about life’s inherent value that will shape their perspectives as they grow?

The large turnout at the event serves as a testament to the shared commitment to life among diverse groups. Participants traveled from various locations—busloads of parishioners from across California, families, students, and communities united in a common cause. Their collective energy and hope stand in stark contrast to the negativity often encountered along the route to the Embarcadero.

The drive to the Walk for Life from Southern California, while typically picturesque, was marked this year by drought conditions, leaving the landscape dry and barren. Despite these challenges, Catholics from Southern California, including students from Thomas Aquinas College, made the journey to support the movement, drawing on their resilience from past hardships like the Thomas Fire.

The Walk for Life reflects California’s rich diversity in Catholicism. With approximately 30% of the state’s population identifying as Catholic, the event embodies a range of cultural expressions and beliefs. The state’s history as a mission territory enriches its current landscape, where faith continues to drive social movements, even against a backdrop of progressive governmental policies.

As noted by Walk for Life organizer Eva Muntean, “The pro-life movement is the most diverse on earth because the right to life is something that unites all people from all backgrounds at the most basic human level.” This unity is evident in the mix of cultures, traditions, and shared goals present at the event—from mariachi music to traditional religious practices—bringing together a wide array of participants, each contributing to the vibrancy of the rally.

The Walk for Life demonstrates a robust commitment to the value of life itself, challenging the ideological narratives surrounding human rights. As this movement continues to evolve, its impact reflects a dedication to advocating for life and fostering conversations that matter to future generations.