Youth Blog

Last week in Ottawa, Canada’s March for Life week of events brought together thousands of pro-life individuals from all over the country. Each event that took place encompassed its own purpose, but one common pattern stood out: Gen Z was heavily present, and are shaping the atmosphere.

Gen Z is building a culture of Life.

Youth aren’t only participating in the pro-life movement; they are building something foundational within the culture.

At the annual Songs for Life event, it was apparent that the younger generation is leading with connection, rather than beginning with activism. It wasn’t only an event to attend and leave; people were actually getting to know each other.

In this day and age, this is key, as if there is no sense of belonging, our generation won’t consistently stick around.

These are the kind of moments that aren’t featured in headlines, but they create a strong knit community that keeps the movement growing culturally.

Gen Z is organized and visible.

It’s often said that the pro-life cause is a boomer issue, and its importance has phased out with the younger generations. This could not be any further from the truth. The March for Life proved that it is undeniable that Gen Z is showing up for the pro-life cause in droves.

Groups of youth were arriving together in organized buses after travelling from far distances. Packed crowds of young individuals could be found anywhere on Parliament Hill listening to the rally speakers.

Leading the frontlines of the March around the downtown Ottawa core were youth. They were enthusiastically carrying banners, proudly advocating for the sanctity of life to be upheld. Instead of leaving, the energy carried on, concluding the march with singing and dancing.

The next day, at the Pro-Life Youth Summit, three hundred pro-lifers united for a day of speakers to further their understanding of pro-life issues. This goes to show that they are interested in fighting the death cult head-on and learning how to change hearts and minds.

Despite the allegations about the pro-life movement's age demographics, it was hard to miss the mark Gen Z made with their large presence and their electrifying energy.

Gen Z isn’t just loud; they are reflective.

The Candlelight Vigil offered a contemplative and intentional environment for all to remember the lives that have been lost due to abortion.

In a culture that moves fast and often disregards the humanity of the preborn, it was inspiring to see young people participate with such attentiveness. Not with phones or distractions, but with prayerful reflection for the cause.

This same prayerful spirit stretched far beyond the vigil, too. While Gen Z is rightfully loud and proud about their pro-life views, their faith is the foundation that gives the movement serious depth.

While the presence of young people standing for life is increasing rapidly, it’s similar in a sense to how Jesus changed the world through His twelve apostles. Not only does the number stand out, but more importantly, the conviction among them.

The combination of youthful boldness and a faithful foundation hints that the next generation's involvement will be enduring.

Gen Z is changing how pro-life views are communicated.

It was noticeable that youth are changing the tone of the movement and how our views are expressed.

The pro-life conversation has always been grounded in truth, but it is becoming more authentic.

At the same time, as technology advances, the cause is being brought to the forefront of the digital world. Youth are proudly sharing their views with peers online in a less polished way that feels genuine to them.

This kind of communication is shaping how the pro-life movement is perceived. It’s reaching more youth, and feels more honest and easier to connect with.

Over time, this shift is important because it decreases the distance between watching a movement and feeling like you can be a part of it.

Across all the events during the duration of the National March for Life week, the question of how pro-life youth make an impact was answered. Not only are young individuals participating, but they are also changing the movement in a beneficial way.

Gen Z is actively stepping up to take their rightful role to defend life in the midst of the culture of death.