WASHINGTON, D.C. January 23, 2026 – Vice President JD Vance took the stage at the 53rd annual March for Life on Friday, January 23, 2026, reaffirming the Trump administration’s commitment to building a “culture of life” in America. Speaking to thousands of pro-life advocates gathered on the National Mall under the theme “Life is a Gift,” Vance highlighted recent policy achievements, personal milestones, and a vision for protecting unborn life while addressing concerns within the movement.
Vance opened his remarks with a light-hearted nod to his previous appearance at the event, noting improved weather conditions compared to last year. “My very first speech as vice president of the United States was the March for Life last year, and I’m proud to be back — with much better weather this time around,” he said.
The vice president shared personal news, announcing that he and his wife, Usha, are expecting their fourth child – their third son. “Let the record show you have a vice president who practices what he preaches,” Vance quipped, drawing cheers from the crowd. He emphasized his desire for “more families and more babies” in America, tying it to broader pro-family policies.
In his speech, Vance praised the administration’s efforts to reverse policies from the previous Biden era, including ending taxpayer funding for abortions, protecting religious freedoms, and expanding conscience protections for healthcare workers. He highlighted the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, as ending “the tyranny of judicial rule on the question of human life.”
Vance announced several new initiatives, including fraud investigations into Planned Parenthood affiliates for improperly received PPP loans, a ban on fetal tissue in federal research, and a historic expansion of the Mexico City Policy. This policy now blocks U.S. funding to international NGOs that perform or promote abortions, and extends to combat “radical gender ideologies” across all non-military foreign assistance – tripling its previous scope.
Addressing what he called “the elephant in the room” – concerns that progress on pro-life issues has been insufficient – Vance acknowledged debates within the movement. “I want you to know that I hear you and that I understand,” he said. “There will inevitably be debates within this movement… but we’re going to have open conversations about how best we use our political system to advance life.”
The vice president contrasted modern pro-life values with ancient practices, warning against a return to “paganism” where life is treated as disposable. “We know that life is a gift,” Vance declared, urging Americans to reject narratives that view family and children as obstacles.
He concluded by assuring the crowd of the administration’s support: “So long as you are out there marching for life, I hope you know that the vice president of the United States will march with you.”
The event, which drew participants from across the country including church groups, families, and students, also featured House Speaker Mike Johnson and other lawmakers. It followed President Trump’s message of support and marked the ongoing push for state-level protections post-Dobbs.
Vance’s appearance underscores the administration’s alignment with the pro-life movement, even as debates continue over national policies like the Hyde Amendment and access to abortion pills. The March for Life remains a key annual gathering for advocates celebrating life and calling for further protections.
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