Romanian pro-lifers hold 15th March for Life in Bucharest

Romania’s 15th March for Life took place in Bucharest on March 29, marking an end to the country’s “month for life.” The march, which drew over 1,000 participants, was just one of over 2,500 pro-life events across Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

The march’s theme was “Every Person Matters.” According to a press release, the theme was inspired by the story of Magdalena Rusu, an Olympic gold medalist, who was unexpectedly conceived when Rusa’s mother was 40 years old. Despite enormous pressure to abort, her mother continued with the pregnancy and raised her daughter, who went on to become an Olympic athlete.

Attendees heard from a number of speakers, including a woman who told the crowd that her mother had faced extreme pressure to abort while pregnant, as she was involved in an abusive relationship. Despite this, she persevered and gave her daughter the gift of life.

“I was lucky that my mother never considered aborting me. I was lucky that she wanted and loved me from the very moment she found out she was pregnant,” she said. “Only because of her unwavering decision am I alive today, when everyone around her pressured her to abort and no one supported her to give birth to me.”

READ: Abortion advocates claim Romania is phasing out abortion over lack of willing doctors

A young man with a rare genetic condition called Franceschetti syndrome, also known as Treacher Collins syndrome, told the crowd that “life, even with obstacles and wounds, can bear fruit.” He said:

I am aware that many children diagnosed in utero with the syndrome I have are not allowed to be born. They become victims of what is called ‘therapeutic abortion,’ noting that what happens to them is not healing, but the loss of life. 

Forgive me if it seems like I’m justifying my own existence, but my personal life experience – and I told you I’ve gone through much pain but also much joy – shows me that every conceived child deserves to be granted the right to be born and supported in life.

The march was just one of many events throughout the month of March, which included activities like pro-life conferences, workshops, fairs, fundraisers for pregnancy resource centers, and much more.

“It is vital, but also possible through our collective efforts, to develop a society where life takes precedence and brings light and joy to the world, particularly to mothers who, when faced with difficult choices, find the courage to move forward,” the march’s organizers said. “These mothers transform each step and challenge into a success, once again proving that every person matters!”