US Church gearing up for the annual 9 Days for Life

By Lisa Zengarini

Catholics across the United States are preparing to pray 9 Days for Life, the annual pro-life novena beginning this year on 19 January.

Each day’s intention is accompanied by a reflection, educational information, and suggested daily actions to help build a culture of life. Participants can share their pro-life witness and invite their social networks to pray on social media with the hashtag #9DaysforLife. 

Recalling Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion

Sponsored by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, 9 Days for Life began in 2013 to recall the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling which legalized abortion in the country.

Annual March for Life in Washington

The novena encompasses the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on 22 January, the day the Court handed down its decision and coincides with the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C..

This year’s March is to be held on 21 January, and will be focused on the theme: “Equality Begins in the Womb”. The theme is meant to highlight how true equality is only possible if we recognize that children in the womb also deserve protection.

The March will begin at noon with a rally at the National Mall and will end on the steps of the US Supreme Court, where another rally will be held and will be attended by a number of speakers.

Local events

Local marches, rallies, Masses, and prayer events to mark the 49th anniversary of the the Roe vs Wade are also already taking place across the US in the leadup to the National March.

Speaking at the first of these local marches, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago said there are “many reasons to be hopeful” that the Supreme Court will reverse the 1973 ruling.

Later this year, the Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, an appeal by Mississippi to remove a lower court’s injunction on its law banning most abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy.