In the 53 years since the U.S. Supreme Court paved the way for legalized abortion in the United States in the infamous Roe v. Wade decision, more than 63 million innocent lives have been lost. However, since Roe was overturned by the Supreme Court by the Dobbs decision in 2022, great progress has been made to protect women and their preborn children in Florida.
“While significant gains to protect women and preborn children in recent years have been put in place, abortion in Florida will continue at a very high rate under our current laws,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said. “We ask Our Lord to continue to give all the courage to speak up on this issue; to give us all the strength to continue to ask others to be part of this necessity, understanding that we are called to do this as men and women of God. We are grateful for the success realized, as God continues to journey with us and protect us along the way.”
Bishop Dewane, along with all Florida Bishops, has vowed to continue to proclaim in Parishes and in the public square the value of every human life and to highlight that there is a better way forward for women, families and society than abortion.
Keeping the unborn at the forefront of the public discussion remains critical, as Jan. 22, 2026, the Roe v. Wade anniversary, is now known as the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) stated: “On June 24, 2022, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned Roe v. Wade, and we praise God for the great opportunity state and federal legislators now have to protect pre-born children. While God, in His mercy, ended the nearly 50-year nationwide regime of abortion on demand, right now state and federal laws, in many instances, are still hostile to pre-born children. Every day, more than 2,350 children die to abortion in the United States. The shift that has taken place has moved from medical to chemical abortions. So, great prayer and advocacy is very needed.”
9 Days for Life novena
Encompassing the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, Catholics nationwide are also invited to pray “9 Days for Life,” an annual Respect Life novena starting Jan. 16.
Sponsored by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the USCCB, the novena began in 2013 in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. While the 2022 Dobbs decision returned the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives at federal and state levels, continuing efforts are needed to protect children and their mothers from the tragedy of abortion. Since the novena began, it has reached hundreds of thousands of people in over one hundred countries spanning six continents.
The overarching intention of the novena is the end to abortion. Each daily prayer intention highlights a related topic and is accompanied by a reflection, educational information, and suggested daily actions. All are invited to sign up! Participants may access the novena or subscribe to receive the daily prayers by email or text message in English at 9daysforlife.com or in Spanish at respectlife.org/9-dias-por-la-vida.
Marches for Life
There are a number of events taking place locally to commemorate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children and beyond.
Coming up first, there are two different March for Life events on Jan. 17, one in Ave Maria, and one in Tampa. Both offer the opportunity, through prayer, music and inspiring speeches, to raise awareness and advocate for life in Southwest Florida with others dedicated to the pro-life mission.
A March for Life at the Ave Maria University Football Stadium, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 17. Speakers include Bishop Joseph Coffey, Archdiocese of Military Services, USA, as well as several members of the University and Parish pro-life community. For more information contact amprespectlifeministry@gmail.com.
A Tampa March for Life will begin at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish in Tampa and travel to Perry Harvey Sr. Park. This event is organized by our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. For more information, visit https://www.dosp.org/2026MarchRSVP/.
Culture of Life Luncheon
The following day, Jan. 18, there is an opportunity to celebrate and support the ministries that walk alongside mothers, fathers and families every single day by participating in the Culture of Life Luncheon at noon at San Pedro Parish, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port.
The Culture of Life Luncheon is a gathering to celebrate, strengthen, and support the incredible pro-life work happening right here in our community. Speakers will include Bishop Frank J. Dewane; Tavia Ames, Respect Life Director for the Diocese of Venice; as well as representatives from Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities; Pregnancy Solutions; SOLVE Maternity Homes; Community Pregnancy Clinics; and Support After Abortion. The Culture of Life is not just a cause – it’s a calling. Your presence helps lift up these ministries, strengthen the pro-life mission in our region, and ensure that more families receive hope, support, and the love of Christ in their moment of need. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/culture-of-life-luncheon.
National March for Life
One week later is the National March for Life (Jan. 22-23), when tens of thousands of pro-lifers will converge in Washington, D.C., including a group of about 350 youth and young adults from the Diocese of Venice. Even with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the work to build a culture of life and put an end to abortion is not done; the effort continues at both state and federal levels. In fact, protecting life has gotten even more complex, with the advance and prevalence of the abortion pills, and their easy, anonymous distribution. Join these inspiring, peaceful, and vibrant rallies to fight for life.
Event supporting CPCI Sarasota
Community Pregnancy Clinics of Sarasota will host its “Heart of Sarasota” event, “Together Miracles Happen,” at 5 p.m. Jan. 24, at GROVE Event Venue, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. The evening will feature Melissa Ohden, Founder and Director of The Abortion Survivors Network, as the keynote speaker. Ohden is nationally recognized for her advocacy and powerful testimony, offering a message of hope and resilience. This event is free to attend, but registration is required. To RSVP or make a donation, please visit https://supportcpci.com/2026-sarasota-event/. For event questions, please contact sarasotaevent@community4life.com.
40 Days for Life Spring Campaign
Looking forward, the Spring 40 Days for Life prayer campaign to end abortion in the United States will take place from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 through Palm Sunday, March 29. Within the Diocese of Venice, peaceful prayer vigils will take place in front of Planned Parenthood abortion facilities in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples. To learn more about this campaign, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/.
Project Rachel
For women or men who have been scarred by abortion, the Diocese offers “Project Rachel,” an outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering and in need of healing following an abortion. This program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling, all confidentially. For assistance, please contact, Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, at 941-412-5860 (English and en Español), or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese also works with “Support After Abortion,” a national outreach to provide individualized care for those impacted by abortion. For details, visit https://supportafterabortion.com/.
To learn more about Respect Life activities in the Diocese of Venice, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/, or contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org.
