On January 25, 2025, Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco became a hub for pro-life advocates as tens of thousands gathered for the 21st annual Walk for Life West Coast. Participants marched through the city, united under the banner “Abortion hurts women,” which encapsulated the core focus of the event.

Eva Muntean, co-chair of the Walk for Life West Coast, expressed strong sentiments regarding the impact of abortion. “Abortion hurts women, we love babies, and women deserve better than abortion,” she stated, emphasizing the emotional and societal ramifications of this issue. She advocated for a cultural shift away from viewing abortion as a choice, highlighting its negative consequences not only for unborn children but also for women and their partners.

Elizabeth, a participant from Young Adults for Christ of St. Elizabeth Church in Milpitas, echoed the message of hope, saying, “Babies are life. I have my baby — he is my everything.” This sentiment reflects the overarching goal of the event: promoting a future where every baby is valued.

Muntean further emphasized the group’s mission, stating, “Our focus is not on legislation alone. Above all, we want abortion to become unthinkable, not just illegal, by offering better options and fostering a culture of life.”

The day featured a lineup of powerful speakers sharing transformative personal narratives. Kelly Lester, a former worker in the abortion industry, shared her perspective, explaining that the industry’s primary aim often discouraged true choice for women. “We did everything to make sure the woman’s choice was abortion,” she noted, reflecting on her past experiences.

Now a mother of six, Lester advocates for healing and redemption from the pain of abortion, urging attendees to turn to faith for solace. “If you turn to the Lord, he will heal you,” she encouraged.

The event showcased a diverse group of marchers carrying powerful messages such as “Women Deserve Better Than Abortion” and “Choose Hope, Choose Life.” Ryan Bomberger, co-founder of the Radiance Foundation, shared his personal story of being conceived in rape, emphasizing the worth of every human being. “Life is everything. Without it, we are literally nothing,” he stated.

Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne, a former U.S. Army colonel and nun, addressed the ethical dilemmas associated with in vitro fertilization, while Walter Hoye, a prominent Black pro-life activist, concluded the event by calling for collective action to support life.

This year’s St. Gianna Molla Award for Pro-Life Heroism was awarded to Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Coffey of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone praised him for his unwavering dedication to the pro-life cause.

Prior to the march, Archbishop Cordileone celebrated a Mass, linking the pro-life movement with the biblical narrative of St. Paul’s conversion. He urged attendees to stand firm in their beliefs, even in a society that may face them with adversity. “To stand for justice in an unjust society will bring persecution. But when one knows what is right, there is no alternative,” he asserted.