March for Life: Everything you need to know about the rally in DC
WASHINGTON - Thousands of anti-abortion activists gathered in Washington, D.C., on Friday for the annual March for Life rally.
After decades of efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade, organizers are now focusing on the ongoing state-by-state battles over abortion rights.
Despite the harsh winter weather, organizers estimate around 150,000 marchers will participate in the event, although the weather may impact turnout.
The rally will happen at the Washington Monument grounds, followed by a march down Constitution Avenue towards the U.S. Capitol.
The rally organizers say attendees can expect heightened security at this year’s rally. All rallygoers will be required to go through TSA style screening. They encourage everyone to arrive early.
Prohibited Items for the March for Life Rally:
Aerosols
Mace/Pepper Spray
Ammunition
Packages
Animals (except service/guide animals)
Range Finders
Recreational Motorized Mobility Devices
Backpacks/Bags over 18" by 13" by 7"
Selfie Sticks
Signs over 20' by 3' by 1/4"
Balloons
Bicycles
Structures
Coolers
Supports for Signs/Placards (no sticks/poles)
Drones/Unmanned Aircraft
Toy Guns
Explosives
Weapons of Any Kind
Firearms
Flammable Liquids
Items Posing a Potential Safety Hazard
Glass, Thermal, or Metal Containers
Laser Pointers
Parking restrictions and street closures for the March for Life Rally:
Emergency No Parking from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:
Constitution Avenue from 18th Street to 3rd Street, NW
Pennsylvania Avenue from 7th Street to 3rd Street, NW
17th Street from New York Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
14th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
12th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Madison Drive, NW
10th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
9th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
7th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
6th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
4th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
3rd Street from Indiana Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
Madison Drive from 14th Street to 7th Street, NW
Jefferson Drive from 14th Street to 7th Street, SW
Street Closures from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:
Constitution Avenue from 18th Street to 3rd Street, NE
Pennsylvania Avenue from 7th Street, NW to 3rd Street, NW
17th Street from New York Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
14th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
12th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Madison Drive, NW
12th Street Tunnel
10th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
9th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
9th Street Tunnel
7th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
6th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
4th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
3rd Street from Indiana Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
Madison Drive from 14th Street to 7th Street, NW
Jefferson Drive from 14th Street to 7th Street, SW
Independence Avenue, SW from 4th Street, SW to 2nd Street, SE
Authorities say drivers should expect parking restrictions along the streets and should follow emergency no parking signs. Vehicles parked in violation of these signs will be ticketed and towed.
Drivers may encounter delays in the vicinity of the event and may want to consider alternative routes. The Metropolitan Police Department and the D.C. Department of Transportation also remind motorists to exercise caution due to increased pedestrian traffic.