Italy’s National Demonstration for Life was held in central Rome on May 20, 2023, and this year’s motto was “We choose life.”
According to the Catholic News Agency, the march began at Rome’s Piazza della Repubblica, close to the central Termini train station, and slowly wound its way past the Basilica of St. Mary Major, down the thoroughfare of Merulana Street, and to the square in front of the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
The crowd consisted of thousands of men, women, and children, marching with a sign reading, “There’s life in the mother’s womb. Let’s care for it. #stopabortion.” Others carried signs saying, “Every child deserves a birthday” and “The unborn baby is one of us.”
Massimo Gandolfini, a neurosurgeon and adoptive father, is a leader of Italy’s march. Earlier this month he told EWTN News that the organization hopes to establish a national day for unborn life and a government fund to help pregnant women in difficult situations. They also desire to influence the culture to see the beauty in motherhood. He explained that the group stands against the legalization of euthanasia, assisted suicide, and surrogacy, saying, “We are strongly opposed to all of these because first of all there is the right of the child.”
The successful demonstration gave pro-life Italians the opportunity to come together and pray against abortion and celebrate life and families. “We have received the gift of children from God, and we are happy and we express our happiness at this event,” Giacomo, a rally participant, said.
After the walk, there was a rally with speakers outside of the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
Abortion has been legal in Italy since 1978. Women can have an abortion in the first 90 days of pregnancy a so-called “right” protected under Italy’s Law 194. This law also allows for “therapeutic” abortions after 90 days if the child receives a serious fetal diagnosis or if the mother’s life or health is at risk. However, abortion is never medically necessary.
Italy has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe and as a result, Italy’s parliament passed a bill to encourage couples to have more children. “The Family Act” aims to provide a universal monthly allowance for children to be paid to families, beginning in the seventh month of pregnancy until the child turns 18.
