ST. LOUIS — Hundreds came together Saturday in downtown St. Louis to fight against abortion. It was the 7th annual "March on the Arch."
St. Louis Union Station hosted hundreds who gathered in prayer and unity with one mission in mind.
Coalition Life, the nationally renowned sidewalk counseling organization based in St. Louis hosted the anti-abortion gathering.
"In downtown St. Louis, Missouri, we want people to know that Missourians and St. Louisans and Illinoisans, if you came across the river, that we stand for life," emcee Annie Frey said.
The Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, president of Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, said he believes life begins at conception and that it is a gift from God that's worth protecting.
"A child, just because it's in the womb, is no less valuable than a child after it's been born, and those children deserve our protection and our love, and we work for that love and care for them," he said.
Organizations from across the state and signs reading "Let Their Hearts Beat" filled Aloe Plaza.
Executive Director and Founder of Coalition Life Brian Westbrook said the organization has been hosting the rally for six years now and it continues to grow every year.
"It doesn't just take one group to continue to protect life, we all have to work together," he said. The one thing we know is that the pro-life movement is 100% united today to continue to protect life, specifically in Missouri, to fight back with some of these ballot initiatives."
Westbrook said the battle is far from over despite the Dobbs decision.
"We need to make sure that the pro-life movement continues year after year. In a post-Roe v. Wade world, we need to know that the work continues," he said.
Those against abortion aren't the only ones continuing to fight. Rachel Laser, Americans United president and CEO, was one of the many pro-choice believers standing up for what they believe in.
"Abortion isn't just a reproductive freedom issue, it's a religious freedom issue," Laser said. "I'd encourage (those against abortion) to remember that there's a wide variety of beliefs."
Laser is challenging Missouri's abortion ban, alongside a group of local religious leaders.
"Different people from different faith backgrounds and non-religious backgrounds have just as strong moral belief systems around this issue, which is why the decision needs to be left to the pregnant person and her family and her doctor," she said.
It's a decision that many have differing opinions on and one that people on both sides won't give up on.
"Nothing less than our freedom, our lives and our democracy is at risk here," Laser said.
"It's life, and it's a blessing," Harrison said.
Both anti-abortion and pro-choice supporters said they won't stop making their voices heard.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.