On Oct. 16 , Archbishop Carroll students, faculty, and alumni surrounded the Pennsylvania state capital building in Harrisburg along with thousands of others for a pro-life rally to make their voices heard following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that had legalized abortion nationwide. 

The Pennsylvania March for Life is an annual event that was started two years ago. During the march, individuals come together to advocate for the rights of the unborn. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, the states now have the authority to determine whether or not to eliminate abortion in their state. Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania.

Choir Director, Social Studies Department, and Pro-Life Club Leader Ms. Suzanne Carpenter accompanied 21 students, three other faculty members, and two Carroll alumni at the rally. She said she hopes for a bigger turnout next year, but also that there will be no need to advocate. 

“I certainly hope that through the march we raise more awareness about the issue of abortion and specifically the ways that it harms mothers and their children, communities, and society as a whole,” said Ms. Carpenter. “I hope that people in the state as well as in the country will feel more empowered to stand up for the unborn and advocate for their rights.”

One of the students who attended was junior Owen Bonner.

“I feel a lot more spiritual with my faith after hearing the speaker’s presentations at the march,” Bonner said. 

Senior Rose Procaccini said that she made great memories from attending this march and standing for what she believes in. 

“We are not going to stop until every baby is protected and until every person believes in standing up for life,” said Procaccini. “I believe that every form of life is important from conception to natural death.”

Those who attended the Pro-Life Rally hoped to reach Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and other lawmakers in Pennsylvania who are fighting to keep abortion laws in place. Among those traveling with the Carroll students was alumnus Bishop Joseph Coffey.

Carroll’s Pro-Life Club meets every Monday in the Campus Ministry Office or in the chapel. Some upcoming events for the club include: Stand Up for Life Dinner on November 19 at the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia and the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. on January 19, 2024.