The March for Life was my first step. On May 13, I boarded a coach bus organized by parishioners from St. Benedict’s Church in Toronto and rode the five hours to Ottawa.

When I got to Ottawa, I was thrilled to see a flurry of activity on Parliament Hill. Over 12,000 people gathered in support of the pro-life movement. I was especially pleased to see the many faces of vibrant youth defending the lives of the unborn, and of course, those at risk from euthanasia.

As we marched through the streets of Ottawa, united as one voice, I was shocked to see the overwhelming support that we received. Yes, there were some pro-abortion supporters lining the streets as we walked, but they were small in number compared to the 12,000 pro-lifers. In addition, we endured some jeering and rude gestures from the public, but again this was minor compared to the encouragement.

One boy walking in front of me was holding a Honk for Pro-Life  sign. I was pleasantly surprised to witness the many honks in response from the public. I also saw many drivers giving the whole crowd a thumbs-up and construction workers smiling and waving above us. Observing this very public display for life issues, I could not help but ask, “why is this even an issue?”

I then realized that indifference is the problem. The men and women who are committed enough to stand on the streets of Ottawa in support of abortion are as unlikely to change their mind about the issue as I am. The people who are indifferent to the issue are the ones that we must try to inspire. This is one of the many goals of being publicly pro-life.

Though I do not know his personal stance on abortion, one can relate Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel’s words in his speech, The Perils of Indifference, to the abortion issue. Wiesel writes,  “It is so much easier to look away from victims. It is, after all, awkward, troublesome, to be involved in another person’s pain and despair. Yet, for the person who is indifferent, his or her neighbour are of no consequence. And, therefore, their lives are meaningless.”

Pro-lifers have many responsibilities. One of them is to eliminate indifference to abortion and by continuing to discuss life issues publicly, not privately. The March for Life is a great way to begin a pro-life mission. I look forward to next year, when the voices of pro-lifers will continue to cry out; life is precious, and we are here to defend it.

(Milavec, 16, is a Grade 11 student at Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School.)