A few years ago, the president of NARAL (the largest abortion advocacy group) was shocked and discouraged to see so many young people at the March for Life in Washington DC.
When she later resigned her position, she noted her inability to get young people involved in the "pro-choice" movement.
It's safe to say the opposite is true for the pro-life movement. I'm 33 years old … and I often feel old at pro-life events and 40 Days for Life vigils!
Young people are not just part of the pro-life movement - they are often the majority. And they're anything but passive about their pro-life stance.
School groups, church groups, families with small children - those are all frequent sights at the peaceful vigils outside abortion centers.
It's not just the participants who are on the younger end of the scale - it's often the leaders! Here's an example of the young leader of one 40 Days for Life campaign who's already a veteran.
LANSING, MICHIGAN
Mary Tombelli is a high school senior in the Lansing area, and she says her decision to become the next 40 Days for Life campaign director came after spending 13 hours stuck in blizzard and log jam on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
On her return from the March for Life in Washington, DC, last month, she spent the time in prayer ... and was moved to get out of her comfort zone and take a bigger role in the pro-life movement.
"I'd like to encourage the young people of my generation to take a stand for life. I hope to do this by leading this campaign asking God to help us save women, men and children from the pain of abortion," she said. "Through God's grace and peaceful prayer, I believe each one of us can make a difference, and support the culture of life."
Mary also serves as the leader of the Homeschoolers for Life group in Lansing.