The March for Life originally scheduled Jan. 29 in Washington has been redesigned as a virtual event only, March for Life President Jeanne Mancini announced Jan. 15.

“In light of the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic which may be peaking, and in view of the heightened pressures that law enforcement officers and others are currently facing in and around the Capitol, this year’s March for Life will look different,” Mancini said. “The annual rally will take place virtually and we are asking all participants to stay home and to join the march virtually.”

Mancini will still invite a “small group of pro-life leaders from across the country to march in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “These leaders will represent pro-life Americans everywhere who, each in their own unique ways, work to make abortion unthinkable and build a culture where every human life is valued and protected.”

Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President J.D. Greear was still expected to speak, but details were not available at press time. In December, Greear was announced as the first SBC president to speak at the event, and was to join celebrities and leaders including Tim Tebow, Benjamin Watson and Jim Daly.

“The protection of all of those who participate in the annual march, as well as the many law enforcement personnel and others who work tirelessly each year to ensure a safe and peaceful event, is a top priority of the March for Life,” Mancini said Friday. “We are profoundly grateful for the countless women, men, and families who sacrifice to come out in such great numbers each year as a witness for life – and we look forward to being together in person next year.

“As for this year’s march, we look forward to being with you virtually.”

The march has taken place in Washington since 1974, following the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the U.S. Since that time, the march has grown globally to include hundreds of thousands of participants.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Diana Chandler is Baptist Press’ senior writer.)