It’s known as the world’s largest pro-life event.

On Friday, thousands of people — including many Ohioans — took part in the 46th annual March for Life on Capitol Hill.

  • Rep. Latta believes the turnout for the March each year has symbolized the country's changing views of abortion
  • The CDC reported 24% decrease in the number of abortions in the U.S. from 2006 to 2015
  • Rep. Latta has introduced or cosponsored six pro-life bills to Congress

The pro-life community filled the national mall to advocate for their cause.

“It’s not a single age group out here,” said Representative Bob Latta (R-05). “You have very small children with their parents, to a lot of teenagers, college students, to senior citizens. So it goes across the entire spectrum.”

Latta joined his Ohio colleagues, Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-02) and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-08), on stage at the march.

The crowd was surprised with a video message from President Trump and a visit from Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence.

“We’re the Pence’s and we’re pro-life!” the vice president said during his speech.

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) tweeted out photos of him walking with Pro-life Ohio, one of the many groups from the Midwest — and across the country — to make the trip.

Latta has supported pro-life policies since his days in the Ohio state legislature.

He’s already introduced or cosponsored six pro-life bills to this Congress and said at a reception he hosted on Friday that the turnout for the march each year symbolized the changing views of abortion in America.

“We’re actually seeing it decline in the number, and that’s a great sign,” Latta said. “Unfortunately the numbers are still out there, but we’re seeing a trend where it’s going down.”

The Centers for Disease Control said in a 2018 report that the number of abortions in the United States decreased 24-percent from 2006 to 2015.

Latta said it’s proof that the right to life movement is spreading.

Friday’s March for Life comes one day before the latest Women’s March will return to Washington, and across the country, to resist the Trump presidency and agenda.

Spectrum Washington reporter Taylor Popielarz asked Latta what his message is to constituents back home who are pro-choice.

“We do everything we possibly can to save premature babies and we know how soon a small life can be saved, even in the womb of a mother,” Latta said. “So we want to make sure that folks understand that it’s important that every life is precious in this country.”

Saturday’s Women’s March is facing some controversy this year.

One of the national co-founders is being criticized for associating with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, but not condemning his anti-semitic remarks.