On January 25, 2025, Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco attracted tens of thousands of pro-life advocates for the 21st annual Walk for Life West Coast. The event, emphasizing the message that “Abortion hurts women,” was broadcast live on EWTN.

Unity in a Shared Message

Throughout the march, participants proudly displayed placards affirming the belief that women deserve better than abortion. Eva Muntean, co-chair of the Walk for Life West Coast, stated, “This is not brain surgery: Life is good, and abortion is very harmful; first, of course, to the baby, but also for women who have had abortions, for men who will not know the joys of fatherhood, and to society in general.”

Elizabeth, a participant from Young Adults for Christ of St. Elizabeth Church in Milpitas, expressed a personal connection by claiming, “Babies are life. I have my baby — he is my everything.” This sentiment was echoed by many speakers who shared messages of hope and encouragement to mothers facing difficult choices.

Overcoming Challenges with Hope

Muntean reinforced the event’s dedication to creating a culture where abortion is seen as unthinkable. She mentioned the aim of reorienting societal values, stating, “We hope to share hope with mothers who are scared, with women suffering the pain of their abortions, with our city, and with our culture.”

While recognizing a more favorable political climate under the current administration, Muntean clarified, “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.”

A Diverse Gathering of Voices

The event showcased a variety of speakers who lent their voices to the pro-life cause. Kelly Lester, a former worker in the abortion industry, criticized the notion of choice within the industry, saying, “We did everything to make sure the woman’s choice was abortion.” After her personal experience with abortion at 15, she now works to help others find healing and recovery.

Another prominent speaker, Ryan Bomberger, co-founder of the Radiance Foundation, shared his personal story of being conceived through rape and adopted into a loving family. “Life is everything. Without it, we are literally nothing,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of each life, regardless of circumstances of conception.

A Call to Action

The rally culminated with a rousing call from Walter Hoye, a respected activist, urging attendees to take a stand for life: “Now is the time to stand up for life. Now is the time to walk for life.”

This year, the St. Gianna Molla Award for Pro-Life Heroism was presented to Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Coffey of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone praised his unwavering commitment to the pro-life cause.

Earlier the same day, Archbishop Cordileone celebrated Mass, linking the pro-life movement to the biblical story of St. Paul’s conversion and highlighting the courage needed to uphold these values in a society often dominated by differing opinions on abortion: “To stand for justice in an unjust society will bring persecution. But when one knows what is right, there is no alternative.”

Conclusion

The Walk for Life West Coast not only served as a rallying point for pro-life advocacy but also as a celebration of life itself, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds in a shared mission of compassion, support, and hope for all unborn children.