March for Women's Lives (2004) facts for kids

The March for Women's Lives was a huge protest that happened on April 25, 2004. It took place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. About 1.3 million people joined in!

Many groups helped organize this march. Some of them were the National Organization for Women, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Feminist Majority. The main goal was to support women's rights and their health choices. This included the right to make decisions about their bodies. It also covered access to healthcare before and after having a baby. Plus, it aimed to make sure everyone had good sex education. The march was first called the March for Freedom. But it was renamed to include more messages. It wanted to make sure women of color had access to these important services too.

This march was special because it included so many different people. People of all ages, races, and backgrounds came together. They wanted to support fairness and progress for everyone. Famous people, politicians, and activists gave speeches and performed.

Some people felt the march didn't have a super clear plan. But the organizers said its main goal was to show support. They wanted to show that all people deserve respect and rights. The march became a strong symbol of people coming together. It showed unity against things that threatened progress and equality.

Who Marched and Why?

The day started with a big gathering on the National Mall at 10 a.m. After that, everyone marched through downtown Washington. The route went along Pennsylvania Avenue. Many well-known people were there. This included music groups like Peter, Paul, and Mary and the Indigo Girls. Actors like Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, and Ashley Judd also joined. Even former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was there. She was a very important government leader.

A small group of sixteen protesters from another organization were also there. They were detained because they protested without permission. They crossed into the march area without a permit.

See also

• List of protest marches on Washington, D.C.

Images for kids

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  Marchers on the National Mall

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  Demonstrators at the march

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  Hillary Clinton at the march