This Sunday, January 19, 2025, thousands of defenders of human life will gather in Paris at 2:00 PM – Place du Trocadéro – to participate in the March for Life. This event, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Veil Law, aims to raise awareness of its dramatic consequences and to recall the urgency of promoting a society that champions a culture of life, rather than that of death, by protecting human beings from conception to their natural end.
The March for Life proposes concrete measures to prevent abortion from being a solution imposed by economic or social constraints. These proposals include enhanced support for pregnant women, an ambitious family policy, and fair reimbursement for maternity-related care. It is also essential that every expectant mother be able to hear her child's heartbeat from the sixth week of pregnancy. This simple yet powerful act can reawaken an awareness of the precious life developing within her.
The tragic toll of the Veil Law translates to more than ten million unborn children killed in their mothers' wombs. Abortion, now trivialized, is part of a veritable culture of death, presented as a supposed "women's right." This illusion, carefully maintained by the dominant media, public authorities, and a multitude of French associations, silences any dissenting voice. Those who oppose this practice are systematically silenced, demonized by an accusatory inversion aimed at discrediting their position.
Recently, there has been a growing desire to inscribe euthanasia and assisted suicide into legislation, under the pretext of allowing a "dignified" death, although these practices are in reality contrary to true human dignity. The Church reminds us that human life is sacred, for it is a gift from God. Every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and, as such, his or her life must be protected and respected, from conception to natural end. Intentionally ending a life, even to alleviate suffering, constitutes a violation of the fifth commandment: "You shall not kill."
Instead of promoting such laws, it would be far more just and sensible to dedicate resources to the development of palliative care. The latter provide comprehensive support, relieving physical pain, offering psychological and spiritual support, and preserving the dignity of every person until their last breath.