Pro-life advocates rally at the State Capitol

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - There was a huge turnout Wednesday at the State Capitol.

The “March for Life” movement held its annual rally.

They see the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as a major victory. Many states have now made abortion illegal.

That is not the case in Connecticut, where lawmakers have strengthened women’s rights.

The pro-life movement still feels they can change the tide in Connecticut.

Eyewitness News was told 2,500 people went to the State Capitol for an hour-long rally.

“The March for Life is once again delighted to partner with the Connecticut Catholic Conference for the second annual Connecticut March for Life,” said Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. “There is a tremendous need for all pro-life residents of CT to march, every voice matters! In the past year, pro-abortion state legislators have gained momentum in seeking to making Connecticut an abortion destination by seeking to enshrine the ‘right’ to abortion in the state constitution and passing laws protecting abortionists from prosecution. They are again seeking to expand abortion tourism in Connecticut by passing legislation that would use taxpayer dollars on travel and lodging for out of state women seeking elective abortions in CT. We need to show Connecticut legislators that life is beautiful and that its residents want laws that provide real support and protection for mother and child.”

There were many speakers, including a college student at Central Connecticut State University who said she feels very different from some of her classmates.

“The biggest irony preached to college students especially young women today is that abortion is liberating. College, quote on quote, women’s centers who find themselves in precarious situations such as being faced with unplanned pregnancies to reproductive health service, a euphemism for abortion clinics,” said Marcelina Halas, a CCSU sophomore.

Those at Wednesday’s rally said now is the time for pro-life residents in Connecticut to march and be heard.

This comes as lawmakers in Connecticut, Republicans and Democrats, have strengthened a woman’s right to have an abortion and will vote on legislation to make birth control more accessible, including on college campuses.

Back in January, Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, who spearheaded a bill to do that, called the reversal disappointing.

“I hope that people get motivated to push for the rights they believe in, the access to care that they need because we need to keep pushing,” Gilchrest said.

Gov. Ned Lamont also said that as long as he’s governor, he would do everything in his power to block laws that would restrict the right to choose.

We reached out to a pro-choice group in Connecticut and have not heard back.

The national March for Life event is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2024.

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