By Emily Clark
HARTFORD—When the Connecticut March for Life kicked off in Hartford on March 22, some of the strongest voices there were from some of the youngest participants. Despite the overturning of Roe vs. Wade last summer, young people, especially young women, feel the need to continue supporting the pro-life movement.
Christa Colaco, a freshman at Cardinal Kung Academy in Stamford, joined thousands of others at the Connecticut March for the past two years. Though only 14, she understands the importance of this event.
“We need to show Connecticut that we will still fight (to end abortion),” she said. “The people in control need to know we do care.”
The youthful presence makes a powerful impact at the March for Life, especially when those just starting out in the workforce take personal time off from their jobs to attend, said Clare Wagner, a member of St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan.
“As a recent college graduate getting used to my new adult life, I know how important it is to be true to myself and my beliefs,” she said. “At the March, I see so many others like me believing in what I do and banning together for the same cause.
“I want young adults to know that you’re never too young to have a voice,” added Wagner. She grew up valuing life from conception until natural death and with the knowledge that abortion is inherently wrong.
“I believe in life from a religious standpoint, but our founding fathers also said that life is an ‘inalienable right,’” she said.
Though younger than Wagner, Colaco holds the same views.
“High schoolers care, even if they don’t always talk about it,” she said. “It’s one thing to know in your heart as a Catholic that abortion is morally wrong, but going to the March shows that to other young people and helps them understand the evil behind it,” she said.
Having also grown up with a pro-life mindset, Rebecca Margolnick has attended both the March for Life in Washington, D.C. and the Connecticut March to give a voice to those who have none.
“It’s important to defend the unborn who cannot speak for themselves,” said Margolnick, a junior at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. “Although Roe vs. Wade has been overturned, abortions still do occur, and I believe it is imperative to march for the babies who are in danger.”
Many young adults are often told that as the next generation, they are responsible for making changes to improve the society in which we live.
“We’re supposed to change the world,” said Colaco, “but if we’re not changing it for the better, then what’s the point? We need to make a real change now.”
