March for Women’s Lives
The March for Women’s Lives, held on April 25, 2004, in Washington, DC, was a significant demonstration advocating for women’s reproductive rights, particularly in response to anti-abortion policies established during the George W. Bush administration. This large-scale event, organized primarily by the National Organization for Women (NOW) along with other prominent groups such as NARAL Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood, drew an estimated one million participants from across the nation. The march not only focused on abortion rights but also highlighted broader women’s rights issues, showcasing a diverse coalition of organizations, including the ACLU and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The rally featured a variety of speakers, including political figures and celebrities, with hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Lisa Gay Hamilton leading the event. Participants marched from the White House to the National Mall, experiencing both support and opposition, as pro-life demonstrators lined the route. Despite the high attendance and extensive media coverage, the march did not result in the repeal of the policies it protested, although it emphasized the importance of voting to influence change. The event exemplified collaboration among diverse organizations united for a common cause, marking an important moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding women's rights in America.
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Subject Terms
March for Women’s Lives
The Event: A peaceful rally mainly focused on defending women’s abortion rights
Date: April 25, 2004
Place: Washington, DC
The March for Women’s Lives was a demonstration organized mainly in support of women’s abortion rights. The event was a protest of anti-abortion policies passed by the George W. Bush administration. However, the demonstration also focused on the broader issue of women’s rights. It took place at the National Mall in Washington, DC, and was attended by an estimated one million people.
On April 25, 2004, after a year of planning, the March for Women’s Lives attracted supporters from across the country. The National Organization for Women (NOW), which had coordinated the 1992 March for Women’s Lives, was joined by NARAL Pro-Choice America, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in organizing the event. The Black Women’s Health Imperative, the Feminist Majority, and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health also acted as sponsors of the march. Many other organizations participated as well, including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAAACP).
The event officially commenced at ten in the morning. Entertainers and speakers kept the crowd engaged while more spectators joined the rally. Participants moved down Pennsylvania Avenue, passing the White House and the Capitol before finishing at the National Mall. Many pro-life demonstrators stood on the sides of the march, shouting anti-abortion slogans. US Park Police kept order and ensured that each group stayed within its designated space.
The speakers and performers who attended the event included the leaders of the participating organizations, political figures, social activists, actors, and musicians. Whoopi Goldberg and Lisa Gay Hamilton hosted the event. Actresses Susan Sarandon and Julianne Moore took the stage, and many other celebrities joined the rally to show their support. New York senator Hillary Clinton addressed the crowd and asked participants to vote for a pro-choice president in the upcoming election. Ani DiFranco, Moby, the Indigo Girls, and other musical artists entertained the crowd.
Impact
The March for Women’s Lives was considered a success due to its attendance numbers, the diversity of participants, and the media coverage it received. The event also served as an example of inter-organizational cooperation for a common cause. However, the rally failed to influence a repeal of George W. Bush’s anti-abortion policies. Although all attendees were urged to use their voting rights to fight such legislation, the administration’s policies remained in effect.
Bibliography
“Abortion Activists on the March.” BBC News. British Broadcasting Company, 26 Apr. 2004. Web. 8 Oct. 2012.
Associated Press. “Top Court Upholds Ban on Abortion Procedure.” NBCNews.com. NBC News Digital, 18 Apr. 2007. Web. 8 Oct. 2012.
Bennett, Lisa. “Over One Million March for Women’s Lives.” National NOW Times. National Organization for Women, Spring 2004. Web. 8 Oct. 2012.
“History & Successes.” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc., 2012. Web. 8 Oct. 2012.
“Personal Stories: Why We March.” National Organization for Women. National Organization for Women, 2004. Web. 8 Oct. 2012.
Williamson, Elizabeth. “Abortion Rights Advocates Flood D.C.” Washington Post. Washington Post Company, 25 Apr. 2004. Web. 8 Oct. 2012.