Major Pro-Life Events Throughout the Year

The pro-life movement hosts numerous events throughout the year, ranging from large-scale national marches to localized prayer vigils and educational conferences. These gatherings serve multiple purposes: memorializing lives lost to abortion, advocating for legislative change, educating activists, and providing spiritual support to the movement. This report catalogs the major annual pro-life events, organized chronologically to provide a comprehensive resource for activists, organizations, and supporters.

January: The Movement’s Flagship Month

National March for Life (Washington, D.C.)

Date: Friday, January 23, 2026 (annually on or near January 22)
Location: National Mall to U.S. Supreme Court, Washington, D.C.

The National March for Life stands as the largest annual human rights demonstration in the world, drawing tens of thousands of participants to the nation’s capital. Established in 1974, one year after the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, the march commemorates the anniversary of that ruling while advocating for comprehensive legal protection of unborn life.

The 2026 march carries the theme “Life Is a Gift,” inviting participants to rediscover the beauty and joy of human life at every stage. The event schedule includes:

• 11:00 AM: Pre-rally concert featuring Grammy-nominated Christian band Sanctus Real​

• 12:00 PM: Rally with special guests, including the Friends of Club 21 Choir (young adults with Down syndrome performing the national anthem), political leaders, and pro-life advocates

• 1:00 PM: March departure from the National Mall, proceeding around the U.S. Capitol to the Supreme Court building

The march attracts diverse participants across age groups, ethnicities, and political affiliations, with a particularly strong showing from young people and students. Georgetown University Right to Life carries the banner leading the march each year.

Companion Events to the National March for Life

National Prayer Vigil for Life
Dates: January 22-23, 2026 (eve of the March for Life)
Location: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.

This solemn vigil has been held since 1979, co-sponsored by the USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat, the Basilica, and The Catholic University of America. The schedule includes:​

• Thursday, January 22:

  • 5:00 PM: Opening Mass in the Great Upper Church

  • 7:00 PM: National Holy Hour for Life in the Crypt Church

  • 9:00 PM – 8:00 AM: Overnight seminarian-led Holy Hours​

• Friday, January 23:

  • 8:00 AM: Closing Mass celebrated by Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, serving as a send-off for march participants

Life Fest
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026, 6:00 AM
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Oxon Hill, Maryland

Organized by the Knights of Columbus and Sisters of Life, this morning event features live music, a Eucharistic procession, Mass, confession opportunities, and veneration of first-class relics of St. John Paul II, St. Teresa of Kolkata, St. Carlo Acutis, the Blessed Ulma family, and Blessed Michael McGivney. Pro-life advocate Lila Rose of Live Action serves as a keynote speaker.

National Pro-Life Summit
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Now in its sixth year, this summit serves as a training event for grassroots pro-life activists of all ages. Co-sponsored by Students for Life of America, Students for Life Action, Alliance Defending Freedom, ProLove Ministries, And Then There Were None, and numerous other organizations, the 2026 summit features the theme “Boldly Standing for Life: Brave Convictions & Compassionate Actions”.

Notable speakers include conservative commentator Brett Cooper, 12-time All-American swimmer Riley Gaines, Kristan Hawkins (President of Students for Life of America), Dr. Abby Johnson (CEO of And Then There Were None), and Virginia General Assembly member Nick Freitas. The summit addresses cutting-edge pro-life policies concerning chemical abortion pills, in-vitro fertilization, political activism, and apologetics.

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In a unique addition, the 2026 event includes a live Abortion Debate Showdown on Friday evening, January 23, at 5:00 PM, featuring Kristan Hawkins and Students for Life Spokesperson Lydia Taylor Davis debating abortion advocates.​

Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Location: Georgetown University

Named in honor of Cardinal John O’Connor, this conference promotes intellectual discourse on the sanctity of human life and has become the largest student-run pro-life conference in the United States. Started by Georgetown students in 2000, the day includes a Holy Hour, speakers, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and a Mass for Life.​

Regional January Events

Walk for Life West Coast
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Location: San Francisco, California

Now in its 22nd year, the Walk for Life West Coast is the second-largest pro-life walk in the country, drawing crowds as large as 50,000 participants. The event begins at Civic Center Plaza with a rally at 12:30 PM, followed by a 1.8-mile walk down Market Street to Embarcadero Plaza at 1:30 PM.

Companion events include:

• Friday, January 23: Walk for Life Prayer Vigil at St. Dominic’s Church at 5:00 PM, featuring vespers, Mass, Holy Hour, and confessions

• Saturday morning: Walk for Life Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 9:30 AM, celebrated by San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone

• Saturday evening: Traditional Latin Mass at the Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi at 5:00 PM, followed by a BBQ and all-night Adoration for Life at Star of the Sea Parish

OneLife LA
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026, 1:30 PM
Location: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles, California

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles presents its 12th annual OneLife LA event, which includes:

• 1:30 PM: Gathering at the cathedral plaza

• 2:00 PM: Program featuring speakers and performers, including Francis Cabildo and Mexican singer Miriam Solis​

• 3:00 PM: Walk for Life around neighboring streets

• 5:00 PM: Requiem Mass for the Unborn celebrated by Archbishop José Gómez

A companion OneLife LA Holy Hour is held on Friday, January 23, from 7:00-8:00 PM at Christ the King Parish in Los Angeles.

State Marches and Regional Events:

• Indiana March for Life (Indianapolis) – January 22, 2025​

• Kansas March for Life (Topeka) – January 29, 2025​

January Prayer and Reflection

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
Date: Third Sunday of January (January 19, 2025; dates vary annually)

President Ronald Reagan issued the first presidential proclamation designating this observance on January 22, 1984. Churches and pro-life organizations across the United States use this day to bring awareness to attacks on human life through the abortion industry and celebrate the intrinsic value of all human life.

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
Date: January 22 (or January 23 when January 22 falls on a Sunday)

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal designates this as a particular day of prayer and penance in all U.S. dioceses. Catholics observe this day through Mass attendance, abstaining from meat, fasting, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet or Rosary, and other acts of sacrifice.

9 Days for Life Novena
Dates: January 16-24, 2026

This annual novena for the protection of human life features daily intentions accompanied by short reflections and suggested actions to build a culture of life. Participants can receive daily prayers via email or text message.

February-March: State Legislative Advocacy

Rose Day (Oklahoma)

Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Location: Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City

Rose Day stands as Oklahoma’s most longstanding faith-based pro-life event, bringing hundreds of participants to the Capitol at the beginning of each legislative session. The event schedule includes:

• 8:30 AM: Registration opens (Capitol 2nd Floor)​

• 9:00-10:30 AM: Rose distribution to elected officials​

• 11:15 AM: Indoor rally in the House Chamber with keynote speakers

Attendees present red roses to their representatives, senators, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor, symbolizing the sanctity of human life and the unborn. The 2026 keynote speakers are Mia and Cara Armstrong, a daughter-mother pro-life advocacy duo.

State Marches for Life (Spring Session)

Alaska March for Life (Anchorage) – February 22, 2025​
Kentucky March for Life (Frankfort) – February 26, 2025​
Georgia March for Life (Atlanta) – March 6, 2025​
Arizona March for Life (Phoenix) – March 15, 2025​
Connecticut March for Life (Hartford) – March 18, 2025 (2 months out as of late January 2026)
Maryland March for Life (Annapolis) – March 27, 2025​
California March for Life (Sacramento) – March 31, 2025​

Heartbeat International Annual Conference

Dates: March 24-27, 2026
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio (in-person and virtual options)

Heartbeat International’s annual conference provides the greatest opportunity for diverse training, broad networking, and inspirational encouragement to pregnancy help affiliates. The conference includes:​

• March 24: In-Depth Day

• March 25-27: Main conference dates

The event offers workshops for every role in the pro-life movement, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. Virtual participants receive access to conference content for 14-21 days depending on their registration level.​

April-May: Regional Advocacy

Virginia March for Life (Richmond) – April 2, 2025​
Colorado March for Life (Denver) – April 11, 2025​
Heartbeat International Annual Conference (Birmingham, Alabama) – April 30-May 2, 2025​
Oregon March for Life (Salem) – May 17, 2025​

June: National Training and Education

National Right to Life Convention

Dates: June 20-21, 2025 (54th Annual Conference)
2026 Date: June 12-13, 2026​
Location: Marriott Kansas City Overland Park, Kansas (2025); Arlington, Virginia (2026)

The National Right to Life Committee hosts this pivotal annual event bringing together pro-life advocates from across the nation for comprehensive discussions on medical, scientific, political, legislative, and grassroots developments. The 54th conference features:

• 16 all-new breakout sessions​

• 5 general sessions​

• Over 40 workshops total​

Topics include legal and legislative battles in post-Dobbs America, pro-life strategies for reaching women and families in crisis, cutting-edge medical ethics and end-of-life care, and messaging in a digital age.​

Special events include:

• Thursday Night: Kansas-themed Welcome Bash​

• Friday Afternoon: Champions for Life Luncheon​

• Saturday Night: Proudly Pro-Life Gala

Distinguished speakers include Rich Bott (CEO of Bott Radio Network), Catherine Gunsalus (Heritage Action for America), Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Alex Schadenberg (Euthanasia Prevention Coalition), and Carol Tobias (National Right to Life President).​

Iowa March for Life (Des Moines) – June 21, 2025​

September: Remembrance and Regional Action

National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children

Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024 (typically mid-September)

Pro-life Americans honor the memory of more than 65 million unborn victims of abortion during this annual observance. Now in its 13th year, solemn prayer services are held simultaneously at gravesites around the country where abortion victims have been buried, as well as at memorial sites dedicated in their honor.

The event serves multiple purposes:​

1. Providing ceremonies for innocent aborted children—all they will ever receive in this world

2. Humanizing aborted brothers and sisters

3. Providing public witness to the Sanctity of Life

4. Helping pro-lifers recommit themselves to the Cause of Life

5. Offering hope and healing to women hurt by abortion

This joint project of Citizens for a Pro-Life Society and the Pro-Life Action League includes local services across the nation.​

Pennsylvania March for Life (Harrisburg) – September 22, 2025​
New Jersey March for Life (Trenton) – September 25, 2025​

40 Days for Life (Fall Campaign)

Dates: September 24 – November 2, 2025 (dates vary slightly by year)

This internationally coordinated campaign aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful round-the-clock prayer vigils outside abortion facilities. The campaign features three components:

1. Prayer and Fasting: People of faith join together in prayer, asking God to heal the land​

2. Peaceful Vigil: The visible public centerpiece is the 40-day prayer vigil held outside local abortion facilities, sending a powerful message about the reality of abortion

3. Community Outreach: The pro-life message reaches every corner of communities through focused grassroots education, church involvement, and media outreach

Participants can sign up for specific vigil hours at local abortion facilities, with many communities coordinating through parishes and pro-life organizations.

October: Respect Life Month

October holds special significance as Respect Life Month in the Catholic Church, with the first Sunday designated as Respect Life Sunday. The observance calls Catholics to reflect on the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death.

Life Chain

Date: First Sunday in October (October 5, 2025)

Since 1987, Life Chains have formed in cities nationwide as a public, prayerful stand for life. Participants stand silently along roadsides holding pro-life signs for one hour, typically from 2:00-3:00 PM. The ecumenical event unites tens of thousands annually across the United States and Canada.

Life Chain operates in dozens of locations within individual archdioceses and regions, involving Catholic parishes and other Christian churches. The event maintains strict standards prohibiting graphic images or offensive signs, emphasizing peaceful prayer and witness.

Respect Life Month Novena

Dates: October 22-30, 2025

This novena prays for the protection of human life from conception to natural death. Each day features a different pro-life prayer intention accompanied by short reflections and suggested actions to build a culture of life. The 2025 novena is available through the Hallow app, with a different bishop leading prayers each day.

Additional October Events and Activities

Walking with Moms in Need: Many parishes maintain active programs throughout October (and year-round) to support pregnant and parenting mothers with practical assistance including baby showers, moving help, meals, groceries, gift cards, clothing, and emotional/spiritual support.

40 Days for Life: The fall campaign continues through October (September 24 – November 3).

Respect Life Conferences: Various dioceses host annual Respect Life conferences, such as:

• Archdiocese of St. Louis – 49th Annual Conference (October 4)​

• Individual diocesan conferences featuring Mass, speakers, workshops, and resources

Ohio March for Life (Columbus) – October 3, 2025​
North Dakota March for Life (Bismarck) – October 10, 2025​

November: Continued Advocacy

Michigan March for Life (Lansing) – November 6, 2025​

Year-Round Events and Resources

Webinars and Online Training

Leadership Institute Pro-Life Training
The Leadership Institute offers ongoing webinars and training sessions throughout the year, including the March for Life Webinar (Pro-Life Activism) typically held in early January. These free online sessions equip participants with foundational skills for civic engagement, grassroots organizing, volunteer coordination, media engagement, and sustainable advocacy.

Equal Rights Institute – Equipped for Life Course
This comprehensive online course provides pro-life dialogue training accessible to individuals and groups year-round. The course teaches effective communication strategies, includes live webinar archives, group activities, and access to a private Facebook community for ongoing support.​

National Pro-Life Advocates’ Conference

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026​
Location: Washington, D.C. (in-person and free online broadcast)

Hosted by the Leadership Institute, this free one-day event features LIFE Talks from national leaders on advocacy, law, communication, and grassroots action, offering practical strategies for a post-Dobbs America.​

SBA Pro-Life America Events

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America hosts various events throughout the year, including:

• Annual Campaign for Life Gala (typically in May/June)

• Regional Ambassador Events in states including North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Texas, and Louisiana​

• 2026 Gala (date to be announced)​

Students for Life National Leaders Collective

Kickoff Weekend: June 26-30, 2025​

This fellowship year begins with a summer kickoff weekend featuring collaboration, networking, hands-on activism events, and relationship building with other pro-life leaders for the 2025-2026 academic year.​

Ongoing Parish and Community Activities

Adoration Holy Hours for Life: Many parishes conduct weekly or monthly Holy Hours dedicated to praying for life, often featuring Eucharistic Adoration and the Rosary.

Sidewalk Prayer Vigils: Regular prayer presences outside abortion facilities occur year-round in communities nationwide, often organized by local pro-life groups and coordinated through parish ministries.​

Pro-Life Education Programs: American Life League’s Culture of Life Studies Program provides pre-K through 12th-grade educational resources integrating pro-life values into school lessons, available throughout the academic year.

Event Participation and Impact

Attendance Trends

Pro-life events demonstrate remarkable grassroots participation:

• The National March for Life draws tens of thousands annually, with organizers and media noting particularly strong representation from young people and students

• Walk for Life West Coast has attracted crowds as large as 50,000 participants​

• State marches regularly bring hundreds to thousands of participants depending on location

• The National Right to Life Convention serves as the premier training event, with the 2023 Heartbeat International conference selling out for in-person attendance​

Demographic Composition

Pro-life events attract diverse participants:

• Age diversity: Young and old, with notable youth participation from high school and college students

• Gender diversity: Women and men actively participate

• Ethnic diversity: People of various ethnicities attend​

• Religious diversity: While many events have Catholic sponsorship, they attract ecumenical and interfaith participation

• Political diversity: Despite media characterization, events aim to attract people across political affiliations who share pro-life convictions

Geographic Reach

Pro-life events span the entire United States:

Major National Events:

• Washington, D.C. (National March for Life and companion events)

• Kansas City/Overland Park (National Right to Life Convention 2025)

• Arlington, Virginia (National Right to Life Convention 2026)

State-Level Events: At least 18 states host official March for Life events throughout the year, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.​

Regional Events: Major cities host significant regional gatherings, including San Francisco (Walk for Life West Coast) and Los Angeles (OneLife LA).

Strategic Event Timing

Pro-life events cluster around significant dates:

January 22-24: The anniversary of Roe v. Wade (January 22, 1973) serves as the focal point for the largest concentration of national and regional events.

First Sunday of October: Respect Life Sunday and Life Chain provide nationwide coordinated witness.

Mid-September: The National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children offers solemn memorial observances.

State Legislative Sessions: State-level marches and Rose Day events typically coincide with the opening of legislative sessions when pro-life bills receive consideration.

Organizational Infrastructure

Major pro-life events benefit from established organizational structures:

National Organizations

• March for Life (national and state branches)

• National Right to Life Committee

• Students for Life of America / Students for Life Action

• Heartbeat International

• American Life League

• SBA Pro-Life America

• Knights of Columbus

• Sisters of Life

• Alliance Defending Freedom

Religious Institution Support

• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Pro-Life Secretariat

• Individual Catholic dioceses and archdioceses

• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

• Catholic universities and parishes

• Evangelical and Protestant churches

• Orthodox communities

Educational and Training Bodies

• Leadership Institute (pro-life training division)

• Equal Rights Institute

• Thomas More Society (legal representation)

Post-Dobbs Landscape

The Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in 2022 fundamentally changed the pro-life movement’s context. While overturning Roe v. Wade represented a historic victory, events now emphasize:

1. State-level advocacy: Strengthened state March for Life initiatives recognize states’ increased role in abortion policy

2. Cultural transformation: Events focus on building a “culture of life” and making abortion “unthinkable” rather than merely illegal

3. Support for pregnant women: Initiatives like Walking with Moms in Need receive prominent emphasis at events

4. Continued national presence: The National March for Life continues annually “until a culture of life is restored in the United States of America”

5. Electoral engagement: Training events increasingly address ballot initiatives, elections, and political activism

Conclusion

The pro-life movement maintains an extensive annual calendar of events serving diverse purposes: memorial observances honoring lives lost, advocacy efforts influencing legislation, educational conferences equipping activists, prayer vigils providing spiritual foundation, and celebrations building community solidarity. From the flagship National March for Life drawing tens of thousands to Washington each January, to localized Life Chains forming on suburban sidewalks each October, to solemn graveside vigils in September remembering abortion victims, these events collectively sustain a nationwide movement committed to protecting human life from conception to natural death.

The movement’s organizational sophistication—spanning national networks, state affiliates, educational institutions, and grassroots parish communities—enables coordination of events across all 50 states throughout the calendar year. Post-Dobbs, the movement has adapted its event strategy to emphasize state-level advocacy while maintaining robust national gatherings that unite advocates, train leaders, and provide public witness to pro-life convictions.

For individuals seeking involvement, the calendar offers multiple entry points: January’s concentration of major events in Washington and regional cities; spring state marches during legislative sessions; summer conferences providing training and networking; fall campaigns like 40 Days for Life offering sustained local engagement; and October’s Respect Life Month featuring parish-based activities accessible to all Catholics. This comprehensive event infrastructure ensures the pro-life movement maintains year-round visibility, activism, and community building in pursuit of its mission to protect every human life.