More than 1,000 people gathered in Vilnius on Sept. 26 for Lithuania’s second March for Life. The event combined public support for the dignity of human life with speakers’ calls for practical help for mothers and families, and for Christians to take personal responsibility in building a “culture of life.” 1

The march and its message

Families, students, older people, and international advocates took part despite cold winds, rain, and fog. The program included personal testimonies, speeches, and music, and addressed family life and challenges including child loss, disability, illness, and old age. 1

The march took place amid debate in Lithuania over family policy and falling birth rates, as well as disagreement among lawmakers about reproductive legislation, including abortion and in vitro fertilization. Organizers emphasized the equal dignity of every person, especially unborn children, regardless of age, health, or ethnicity. 1

One testimony came from Saulius Karosas, who described how his family’s outlook changed after welcoming two children with Down syndrome: their daughter Iva and adopted son Motiejus. He said the experience deepened the family’s understanding of human worth and beauty. 1

Calls for support and responsibility

Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius said he hoped the march would help foster a society in which people are welcomed from the beginning of life. He called for pregnant women to be able to find someone who would listen and provide support, and for families to receive help from their communities, employers, and public institutions. 1

Grušas also highlighted fathers’ role in supporting mothers and preparing for a child’s arrival. He described the march as Christian witness with a civic dimension, saying public discussion should respect both the unborn child’s dignity and the mother’s needs, and be followed by practical assistance. 1

Archbishop Kęstutis Kėvalas of Kaunas urged men to take an active part in family life and children’s religious upbringing. He called on Christians to build a culture of life through personal responsibility, prayer groups, and family movements, and cautioned against judging the prospect of having children mainly in material terms. 1

International participation

Speakers included Agnese Irbe of Latvia, Marcin Perłowski of Poland, and Patricia Sandoval, an international pro-life speaker. Sandoval praised the young people’s participation and the peaceful atmosphere, and urged advocates to persevere regardless of political outcomes. She also shared her personal account of having undergone abortions and later working for Planned Parenthood. 1