ROME — Thousands of people filled the streets of Rome on Saturday for Italy’s annual “Scegliamo la Vita” (“Let’s Choose Life”) march, bringing together families, young people, religious communities, and pro-life organizations in a colorful procession advocating for the protection of human life from conception until natural death.

Now in its 15th year, the march has become one of Italy’s largest annual pro-life demonstrations. While participants renewed their opposition to the country’s abortion laws, this year’s event also focused heavily on proposals currently under discussion that would legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide.

The joyful atmosphere of music, banners, and families contrasted with what participants described as the serious challenges facing the defense of human dignity in Italy today.

Defending life at every stage

Maria Rachele Ruiu, one of the organizers of the march, said the demonstration seeks to defend the dignity of every human person, regardless of age or condition.

“We march to protect all human beings and their intrinsic dignity, from the smallest child in the mother’s womb to the most vulnerable person, the disabled person—or rather, the ‘differently able’ person, as we will hear people describe them—and all the way to natural death.”

She pointed to growing concerns over abortion practices in Italy, including the increasing use of chemical abortion.

“There is a great deal of what is called genetic abortion, and abortion using RU486 is increasing significantly; it is devastating for women.”

Ruiu also warned that Italy is entering a new phase of debate over end-of-life legislation.

“Moreover, in Italy today there are legislative efforts underway concerning euthanasia and assisted suicide. This gathering will ask Parliament not to pass such legislation.”

Abortion was legalized in Italy in 1978 through Law 194, which permits abortion during the first 90 days of pregnancy and, under specific circumstances involving the mother’s health or serious fetal abnormalities, later in pregnancy.

Families share their witness

Throughout the march, participants emphasized that disability should never diminish the value of human life.

One mother spoke about raising a child with disabilities, describing the experience not as a burden but as a blessing.

“For me, living with a child with a disability has not been a burden; it has been a grace. In the lives of my daughters, I have seen a love for life and a capacity to share love that goes beyond anything else.”

She encouraged expectant parents not to allow fear to shape their decisions.

“That people should not let themselves be overcome by fear. Many people are misled by fear, but in reality it is truly a grace. It opens up a world that is wonderful.”

Another participant said the defense of life begins with recognizing that every human life is a gift entrusted to humanity.

“I am here to defend life because I believe that life should be protected from its very first moment until its very last. It is a gift that has been given to us, and no one has the right to take it away or reclaim it. It is something that has been entrusted to us.”

“No one has the right to take it away. We have free will, but we cannot make decisions for others. That is why I believe life is something to be protected and defended.”

“Especially when we are talking about children. Unfortunately, today life is being challenged far too much. There are too many ideologies that promote this culture of death.”

A witness of hope

Although the march remembered the millions of lives lost through abortion and mourned those affected by euthanasia, the event was marked by youthful enthusiasm, music, and celebration.

Participants said their presence was intended not only as a protest but as a joyful witness to the value of every human life.

“And we are here to stand up for life, to demonstrate that it is good and that each and every one of us has the right to live it,” one attendee said.

Another participant reflected on motherhood as a unique gift.

“I’m here because I believe there’s something really extraordinary about being a woman. The ability to carry and bring your life into the world is really special. And I think being here is also a way to appreciate and support the unique gift of being a mom.”

A message echoed by Pope Leo XIV

This year’s march comes as Pope Leo XIV has dedicated his July prayer intention to respect for and protection of human life at every stage.

Participants said their advocacy is rooted in both faith and a desire to help others recognize the dignity of every person.

“There’s about 100 of us that came from the group in Brescia in train this morning and we’re going back tonight,” one attendee said. “It’s worth it because we have to promote life. We have to help others understand how important it is to defend life, to try to help people understand why abortion is so evil.”

For many, the day’s witness flowed directly from their Catholic faith.

“Faith, and what Catholicism gives you, is the foundation for everything,” another participant said. “Then it’s about how you live it, how you embrace it, how you accept it and choose to follow that faith. And then it becomes your way of living a peaceful and beautiful life, a life that inspires you to fight for beautiful things, such as life itself.”

As thousands processed through the streets of the Eternal City, the annual March for Life offered a public witness that, despite ongoing cultural and political debates surrounding abortion and euthanasia, many Italians remain committed to defending the dignity of every human life from conception until natural death.

Adapted by Jacob Stein.