March for Life in DC forges ahead in spite of Omicron

The 49th annual march and vigil will take place on Friday, January 21, as planned.

On Friday, January 21, tens of thousands of pro-lifers will once again gather in Washington, DC to march for the anniversary of the the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which legalized abortion.

While this year’s 49th March for Life coincides with the enforcement of new COVID-19 restrictions in the nation’s capital, plans are for the march and the events proceeding it to go on as planned. Outdoor events are not affected by the new rules.

COVID-19 restrictions

In order to attend indoor gatherings, the new restriction requires those 12 and older provide proof of identification and proof of receiving one COVID-19 shot. Those traveling from outside DC may request a medical or religious exemption, and no documentation is necessary for the religious exemption. They will instead need to provide proof of a negative antigen or PCR test within 24 hours.

Fr. Mike Schmitz among featured speakers

The March for Life Rally begins at 12 pm on Friday, January 21. The line-up of speakers includes Fr. Mike Schmitz, Down Syndrome advocate Katie Shaw, Duck Dynasty star Lisa Robertson, actor Kirk Cameron, and other prominent pro-life leaders and Members of Congress.

USCCB Prayer vigil

Pro-lifers attending the rally and march will be pleased to learn that the annual National Prayer Vigil for Life will also take place this year. Hosted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Pro-Life Secretariat, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and The Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus, the event begins with an Opening Mass at 5:30 pm on Thursday, January 20.

Following the Opening Mass, to be celebrated by Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities. there will be a Holy Hour for Life at 7 pm. At 8 pm, live-streamed, bishop-led holy hours will go on through the night.

The vigil concludes at 8 am on Friday, January 21 with the Closing Mass celebrated by Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap., of Boston.

Places of worship are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirement under the city’s new restrictions. To prevent the spread of the virus, all participants are required to wear face masks.