RICHMOND, Va. -- Thousands of people gathered at the Virginia State Capitol Wednesday to take part in the March for Life. It was an effort to remind Virginia lawmakers, during a Veto Session, to consider the wishes of pro-life Virginians and strike down any changes made to Virginia laws that ease abortion access.
The abortion issue garnered extra controversy this year after Virginia Governor Ralph Northam expressed his support for a state measure that would loosen restrictions on late-term abortions.
"My hope and my prayer is that the legislators see that the people of Virginia love babies and don't love murder," youth paster and Pro-Life marcher David Pinkham stated outside the state capitol. "[I would hope] the ones that are Pro-Choice or pro-abortion would change their minds."
Capitol Police estimated 6,500 people attended the event.
Prior to the March for Life, a smaller group of Pro-Choice supporters rallied at Capitol Square. Several speakers from delegates to those who had abortions spoke on the importance of the bill.
Many even mentioned a new poll done by the Public Policy Polling, that states 72% of Virginians believe women should have a choice.
"Having access to reproductive health is not an anti-life thing. It is a pro-life choice because this is what makes it so that women can actually have healthy children," Pro-Choice supporter Johanna Gusman said.
Road closures and parking restrictions were in effect around the Virginia State Capitol before, during, and after the march.
