​MARCH FOR LIFE

Join us for An "Ohio" March for Life on Wednesday, October 5th

Note: Although GCRTL has historically hosted a March for Life (now known as the Roe Remembrance) at the Ohio Statehouse on or around the anniversary of Roe v Wade, this is a different event. We are still planning our annual commemoration of Roe, with details to be announced soon. 

The October 5th event will be a statewide event drawing together friends and supporters from numerous organizations: the DC March for Life, Greater Columbus Right to Life, Citizens for Community Values, Ohio Right to Life, Susan B. Anthony List, many regional "Right to Life" organizations and affiliates, pregnancy centers, and more. 

Related Events:

Poster & Tee Shirt Design Contest Deadline: September 16th.  
40 Days for Life Campaign: September 28 - November 6th

Legislative Visits:
The Ohio General Assembly is not in Session on the 5th of October, however your House or Senate Member may be in Columbus, or his or her Legislative Aide may be meeting with constituents. If you would like to make an appointment to say hi, you can look up your member here.
Pro-Tip: You don't have to come to the Statehouse to encounter your elected officials - check in with their offices about local coffees, townhalls, or other events. But if you would like to stop by and visit while you are in town, advance scheduling makes this more likely. Be prepared that lawmakers may be in the District that day. 
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Statehouse Tours: Information for Statehouse Tours. Today will be busy, so advance registration highly suggested. 
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October 5th March Events

 9:00 AM: Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral (Bishop David Bonnar, Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown)

10:00 AM: Worship at the Ohio Statehouse (Damascus Worship)

11:00 AM: Rally on the Ohio Statehouse Lawn

• His Excellency Bishop David Bonnar, Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
• Pastor David Forbes, Columbus Christian Center
• Dr. Alveda King, Alveda King Ministries
• Aaron Baer, President of Center for Christian Virtue
• Peter Range, Executive Director of Ohio March for Life
• Jeanne Mancini, President, March for Life Education and Defense Fund 

12:00 PM: March (Route)


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Poster and Tee Shirt Contest

We hope to distribute thousands of rally signs and tee shirts to be used at both the Ohio and DC March for Life, but we need your help to design them. 

Between now and September 16th, try your hand at designing a rally sign or tee shirt and get the opportunity to win cash prizes and see your design used to help promote the dignity of each human life. We'll have categories for youth, teens, and adults; enter on your own, or invite your whole class or school to participate! 

Learn more about the details and rules today! 

​Parking and other Info

Bus Parking: Two locations have been set aside for bus parking. 

The Potter’s House
3220 Lowell Dr.
Columbus, OH 43204
Cost: free
Can hold up to 20-25 buses
Need to be gone by 4pm (note - this location is several miles West of downtown off of 70.

Greater Columbus Convention Center
Scott M. Keeton, CPP CTA
Parking Manager
Direct:  (614) 827-2526
E: SKeeton@columbusconventions.com
Cost: $40.00/per bus plus an on-line convenience fee when purchasing.
Advance reservation needed, here.


Individual Parking Options
Note that this is a business workday (but not a legislative session day) downtown, so parking will be somewhat limited. We strongly encourage carpooling when possible, and be aware that some garages may have vehicle size limits. PLEASE allow for additional time to find parking, and do not assume that there will be parking available at the Statehouse or Cathedral. 

Here is our suggested parking availability for near the Ohio Statehouse. It includes parking information (including pre-registered spaces when available). If you are not familiar with Downtown, a good plan is the Columbus Commons garage, about a 5-10 minute walk from the Statehouse and a 10-15 minute walk from the Cathedral.

Street parking is also available, but please keep in mind that Columbus has moved to a meter-less paid parking system, so you will need to either download the Park Mobile app or pay on a nearby street kiosk. Just because you do not see a meter does not mean parking is free. If you are looking up a space and do not see availability, it is because that space has already been reserved. Learn more about downtown Columbus ParkMobile here.

Other note: Especially if you are arriving in Columbus during rush hour, be aware that there is a significant amount of construction traffic and some traffic pattern chances downtown and at the 70/71 area. Please plan a little extra time.

​Security and Other Information

There will be Ohio State Highway Patrol and Columbus Police present, as well as other law enforcement - some of whom may be in or out of uniform. 

While you are welcome to bring signs (pre-printed or homemade), you may not bring dangerous items or things that could damage the historic Statehouse with you. This includes weapons, poles, stickers, chalk, etc. Students and Respect Life Group representatives may bring their banners or identification signs (like for the march), but are asked to leave poles and sticks home. 

We do anticipate that there will be protestors present. Please treat them with respect and kindness. Keep in mind that some may seek to provoke responses. We remind all of our volunteers that de-escalation, peace, and prayer are at the heart of our efforts. Our goal is to provide a safe experience for anyone present.