San Francisco, CA – On Saturday, thousands of anti-abortion rights supporters marched through the streets of San Francisco as part of the 21st Annual Walk For Life West Coast event. The gathering filled Market Street with their message, showcasing a significant turnout for this ongoing movement.

Significant Attendance and Motivations

The event, which has become a staple in the anti-abortion rights calendar, saw attendees energized by the political climate and recent developments influencing the discourse on reproductive rights. Some participants voiced their sentiments strongly, with one marcher stating, “Abortion is murder.”

Among the speakers was San Francisco’s Catholic Archbishop, Salvatore Cordileone, who emphasized the youthful demographic attending the event, saying, “You look out at the crowd, you see most of them are young people – I think young people are finally realizing what’s going on.” He highlighted the societal implications, noting that “abortion destroys a life, no question about that.”

Personal Stories and Perspectives

Attendee Sydney Brooks shared her reason for participating: “I know women who’ve had abortions and I know they regret it, so I decided to come out and hopefully inspire and show the message of hope; there’s another option, alternatives.” Her reflections resonate with many in the crowd who believe in offering alternatives to abortion.

In contrast, abortion rights activists organized a counter-protest across the street, voicing their commitment to bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. Norma Gallegos from the National Mobilization for Reproductive Justice stated, “We oppose the other side in terms of what they are trying to put against us and take away our bodily autonomy, our main message is – everyone has a right what they want to do with their bodies regardless of religious affiliation.”

Impact on Local Traffic

The event caused significant traffic delays, with Market Street being closed for most of the day. City officials implemented detours, but many areas experienced gridlock. By late afternoon, traffic conditions returned to normal.