Hundreds of anti-abortion activists gathered in Washington 's Lafayette Park on Sunday on the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade , the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide . The 90-minute program featured speakers , music and a quick march along the White House 's north gate , located in front of the park . Many carried signs and recited prayers during the gathering , which was organized by the nonprofit group March for Life . Former Arkansas Gov . Mike Huckabee told the crowd the reason he got into politics is because he is `` pro-life , '' and believes `` if we get this issue wrong , we will inevitably get all the other issues wrong , too . '' `` Whether the baby is in the mother 's womb , or whether it 's 8 years old or 18 or 80 , that life has value , not because I said so , but because God made it to have value , '' said Huckabee , a Republican who made an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2008 . Emily Morgan , 21 , said she traveled from Cincinnati , Ohio , with her parents and pastor because she felt obligated to speak up . She told CNN she has had friends and family members who have had abortions and endured `` the emotional chaos that happens after that . '' `` Killing is wrong , '' Morgan said . `` Abortion is killing unborn children . '' In a statement issued early Sunday , President Obama said he remains `` committed to protecting a woman 's right to choose and this fundamental constitutional right . '' `` While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue , no matter what our views , we must stay united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies , support pregnant women and mothers , reduce the need for abortion , encourage healthy relationships , and promote adoption , '' the statement said . Obama was in the White House residence during the protest , having spent some time earlier in the day at an off-site venue playing basketball with daughters Sasha and Malia . Other Roe v. Wade-related events were planned elsewhere in Washington Sunday and Monday , by both anti-abortion activists and abortion rights advocates alike .
Sunday was the 39th anniversary of the decision that legalized abortion . Hundreds gather in Lafayette Park to demonstrate against abortion rights . `` Life has value '' no matter what age , former Arkansas Gov . Mike Huckabee says . Score: 6