A Message From Our Director About the March for Life Chicago 2021

Since February, the weDignify team has been working tirelessly with many partners to make a strong witness for life through the March for Life Chicago in January 2021.

As the largest pro-life event in the Midwest, we are ever committed to being a voice for the unborn and we know that you are too.

Thank you for reaching out and asking, "What's happening in Chicago with the March for Life Chicago?" As we face tremendous opposition everyday, it is wonderful to know you are with us and fervent in speaking up for life!

We have a plan to make a strong public witness to life, but want to let you in on a little of the behind-the-scenes battles we've been facing.

  • In Summer 2020, our contacts at the Illinois Health Department and beyond predicted the second wave of COVID would be mostly complete before now. Yet, that is not the case.

  • When we sought out alternate plans to gather safely (following health guidelines) downtown, we were repeatedly denied permits at multiple locations, despite extensive social distancing plans (including the Thompson Center today!).

  • We have been in contact with multiple law firms regarding the legality of marching in Chicago without permits. They have advised that such an action is illegal and could cause significant fines or penalties. Additionally, recent freedom of speech and assembly lawsuits have failed in Illinois.

  • We researched stadiums and their parking lots, which have hosted many events in Chicago. We were either rejected or faced with exorbitant costs. For example, Soldier Field would cost over $10,000 and only allow for a car rally of just 400 cars.

We are telling you about the challenges we are facing, because we want you to know that gathering as a pro-life movement is so important that we will not give up. Instead, we continued to think creatively.

Knowing how many people (we're looking at you incredible high school groups) couldn't travel by bus to Chicago because of COVID concerns, we rolled out the Moving the Movement Tour. That's right - when so many other events have shut down, we expanded our efforts to bring the March for Life Chicago not only to Chicago, but to 5 states across the Midwest!

And yet, we didn't forget about Chicago. We know how important it is to witness in the abortion-capital of the Midwest.

From our beginning, we have been a courageous witness for Life in the public. And we have done so with respect, integrity, love, and innovation.

In the last decade, the March for Life Chicago has grown from 150 people to over 9,000. But this year is our biggest challenge yet.

During a time when abortion is likely rising and has been deemed "essential" by the government, we will advocate for life, safely and strongly.

Ever steadfast in principles, our team has found a way to modify methods and still achieve our purpose of bringing the pro-life message to Chicago.

We have an innovative and safe plan to witness for Life on January 23. Discover them on our event details page and sign up to join us!