Pictures from D.C.‘s Pro-Life Protest on the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Today is the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the decision that legalized abortion in the United States. Since then, pro-life activists have rallied every year in front of the Supreme Court. This year’s crowd seemed small, especially since the city had seen about 2 million people gather in the city for President Barack Obama’s inauguration. Here are some of the images from this year’s pro-life rally.

One man holds up a sign that says “Personhood Now” and wears an “Abortion is Mean” sweatshirt. The personhood movement is one that seeks a legal definition of life beginning at conception; such an initiative was on the ballot last November in Colorado but was defeated by a margin of 73 to 27 percent. The man is also wearing a “Democrats for Life” sticker.

This is the crowd of pro-life activists in front of the Supreme Court just after 1 p.m. today. Much of the protest was broadcasting Christian music, prayers, and scripture readings.

One man bends his head down in prayer with a sticker on his back that reads “Babies are Wonderful.”

Some activists are holding signs that say “Choose Life Not Death” and wait near the barricade set up by the police.

One man bends in silent prayer and bends over the barricade erected by the police.

Pro-choice activists set up a counter-protest with signs that read slogans like “Keep abortion legal,” the National Organization for Women’s standard slogan, and more creative slogans like “If your fetus is gay will you still fight for his rights?” and “Life sucks anyway.”

One speaker addressed the crowd, telling the story of the Israelite army fighting the “uncircumcised Philistines” asking who they are that would “stand against the army of the Lord.” He makes a parallel to today’s government leaders. “Who are these legislators that would stand against the army of the Lord? Who are these Supreme Court justices that would stand against the army of the Lord?”

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