January 22, 2022, marked the 49th anniversary of the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision, which has claimed over 60 million innocent victims to abortion since 1973. The anniversary of this historic case was marked by prayer vigils and demonstrations by pro-life constituents around Florida and across the nation. Over 300 marchers filled the streets of St. Petersburg for the Second Annual Tampa Bay March for Life, sponsored by Florida Preborn Rescue. The rain and cold did little to dampen the spirits of the diverse and ecumenical crowd of marchers as they gathered in front of the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Petersburg. Parents and grandparents pushed strollers and took small children by the hand. Friends pushed the disabled in wheelchairs. Protestants and Catholics united in prayer and song.

Some people milled about in the crowd, greeting people that they met at previous demonstrations or during 40 Days for Life.

Some, like Candace, were there for the first time. In 2012 Candace found herself in a St. Petersburg abortion clinic. When she saw the ultrasound of her twin boys she knew that she could not proceed with the abortion. This experience led Candace to research the grim realities of abortion. In 2021, it was Candace’s doctors that suggested that she may want to abort her daughter due to genetic markers for Down Syndrome. This strengthened her resolve to find a pro-life group. Candace said it was very good “to be around humble, like-minded people” at the Tampa Bay March for Life. One attendee even asked Bishop Parkes to bless Candace and her children.

The March ended at City Hall where attendees heard from pastors, pregnancy center directors and pro-life activists. Bishop Gregory Parkes addressed the hopeful spirit that permeated the crowd.

“I believe that today there is reason for hope. The Supreme Court has heard oral arguments in the Mississippi abortion case, Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health. This case addresses whether banning abortion after 15 weeks is constitutional. Although difficult to predict, this could very well be the case that overturns Roe v. Wade, in its entirety or in part. Therefore, we are steadfast in praying that there will be a monumental shift in the Court’s abortion precedent in favor of protecting all unborn children,” said Bishop Parkes.

Bishop Parkes then addressed the need to offer “tangible, life-affirming support for mothers, fathers and their babies.”

Other speakers also emboldened the crowd to continue working for an end to legalized abortion and to continue to support women and couples experiencing unplanned pregnancies.

Marchers received a final blessing from Father Curtis Carro, Pastor of St. Raphael Parish, before they were sent to work for life in their homes, workplaces and churches.