After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade three years ago, states have taken different approaches regarding abortion laws. Some states are passing laws to protect unborn lives, while others are enacting legislation that supports abortion rights. Illinois has become a focal point in this debate, with actions from state lawmakers and Governor JB Pritzker making it a significant center for abortion access in the Midwest.

On March 25, pro-life advocates will gather in Springfield for the Illinois Pro-Life March. The event starts with a Mass at 10 a.m. at the Sangamon Auditorium on the University of Illinois Springfield campus, celebrated by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. Participants must register to attend the Mass.

Following the Mass, there will be a rally at the state capitol at 1 p.m., followed by a march around the capitol at 2 p.m. Additionally, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception from noon to 5 p.m., with confessions available from noon to 1 p.m. and again from 3 to 5 p.m.

Last year’s Illinois Pro-Life March saw attendance of about 2,000 people, primarily students from Catholic schools and Newman Centers, along with priests, seminarians, religious figures, and laypeople from across the diocese and state.