Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

People participate in the annual March for Life rally on the National Mall in Washington, Jan. 25, 2013. The anti-abortion marchers on Friday marked the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion, and Pope Benedict expressed support for the demonstrators.

By Eric Tucker, The Associated Press 
Thousands of anti-abortion demonstrators are marching through Washington to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to protest the landmark decision that legalized abortion.
Crowds held signs and chanted Friday on the National Mall and surrounding streets for the March for Life.
The demonstration this year coincides with the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that created a constitutional right to abortion. Earlier this week, opponents marked the anniversary with workshops, prayers and calls for more limits on abortion rights.
Among the speakers was former Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum. He says the country responded with love to the struggles of his daughter, Bella, who was born with a serious genetic condition. He said the family is better off for having Bella in their lives. 

Michael Reynolds / EPA

A pro-choice woman and pro-life man shout at one another outside the Supreme Court Jan. 25.

Mandel Ngan / AFP - Getty Images

An anti-abortion activist is seen during the annual "March for Life" infront of the US Supreme Court on Jan. 25.