Anti-Abortion Rally In Annapolis Opposes Upcoming Vote

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Thousands rallied against abortion Monday in the state capital. The advocates marched through the Annapolis streets in the Maryland March for Life.

They urged Marylanders to vote no on a November ballot question that would enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution.

"We're out here because all life is precious, and we need to take a stand," Maryland Family Institute president Jeffrey Trimbath told WBAL. "Every child born and unborn is precious in God's sight, and our laws should reflect that reality."

The Supreme Court in June 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade, a case that ruled that the U.S. Constitution protected abortions. That let states decide whether they would allow the procedure.

"God, we thank you for the 15 states that have since severely restricted the opportunities for the murder of unborn babies," Rev. Mark Dooley of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware said at Monday's rally. "We thank you for six more states that have restricted abortion beyond the first trimester. And we thank you for the eight states that have banned abortion in the third trimester."

Maryland law currently allows abortions. Some pro-choice advocates want to add the right to an abortion to the state's Constitution. That would be an even stronger protection than a state law.

State lawmakers passed legislation in March 2023 letting Maryland voters settle the debate. This November’s General Election will feature a referendum asking Marylanders if they want the state Constitution to include the right to an abortion.

The committee sponsoring the ballot question spoke out after the anti-abortion rally.

"It's no surprise that anti-choice extremists are bringing these very attacks to Maryland's doorstep," Freedom in Reproduction Maryland told WBAL in a statement. "We're confident that Maryland will choose to vote 'yes' this year, to keep politicians from playing games with our rights in the future."

The exact ballot question language must be finalized by Aug. 2. The General Election is on Nov. 5.

Patch contacted the Maryland March for Life for a comment. They acknowledged our inquiry and are still working on an official response. We will update this story if we hear back.

To see video from the rally, watch WBAL's story. Additional photos are posted on the Facebook profiles of the Maryland March for Life and the Radiance Foundation.