Less than a week after nearly 500,000 people flooded the streets in Washington, D.C. in support of women’s rights — not to mention the satellite Women’s Marches in cities across the country and even around the world — thousands are gathered in D.C. for a different cause, with one North Dakota college leading the way.

This year, the private, Catholic University of Mary led the March for Life, an annual event in which thousands of pro-life supporters assemble in Washington to “testify to the beauty of life and the dignity of each person,” according to the March for Life website. The group has united against legalized abortion at the march every year since 1974, the year after the passing of Roe v. Wade.

This year, about 400 students and 50 faculty and staff members from University of Mary attended, according to the school. (Last year, they were among those stranded on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for hours in a blizzard after the march.) 

The trip from North Dakota takes about 27 hours each way, says senior Katrina Gallic, who was among those stranded last year and spoke at this year’s march.

“We want to give witness to babies who have lost their lives and be part of a movement founded in love for each other and the rights we are blessed to have,” Gallic told USA TODAY College.

Pro-life demonstrators march towards the U.S. Supreme Court during the 44th annual March for Life in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2017. Anti-abortion advocates descended on the U.S. capital on Friday for an annual march expected to draw the largest crowd in years, with the White House spotlighting the cause and throwing its weight behind the campaign. (Photo: Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images)

Abortion rights has been drawn into question since the election. While the new administration, including Vice President Mike Pence, who spoke at the march, has voiced strong opposition to abortion, a Pew Research Center study earlier this month found that about 70% of Americans support Roe v. Wade. The Center also reported that more than half of conservative Republicans and leaners believe the decision should be reversed.

One major argument in the abortion debate is over the question of when a fetus becomes a human being. While there is discrepancy among states on the exact point at which a fetus can be aborted (most states allow pregnancy termination through the first 24-26 weeks), those on the pro-life side emphasize that a living child comes into existence at the moment of conception.

And it’s not just Univ. of Mary students who are actively involved with the right-to-life campaign.

“There’s no reason to draw an arbitrary line after conception as to where it can be put down,” says Steve Miller, a junior at the University of Dayton.

Many pro-life students feel misunderstood, especially with the recent rhetoric on women’s rights in the U.S.

Related: What SCOTUS’ historic abortion ruling means for every woman in America

“People will say ‘it’s my body, my choice,’ but it’s more than just the woman’s body — it’s the body within them,” says Miller. “This movement isn’t about taking away the rights of women; it’s supporting the rights of the unborn child.”

But what if that child is conceived in violent or tragic circumstances? The Guttmacher Institute found that one percent of abortions occur because the woman was a victim of rape. While they agree that these situations are unimaginably awful, most pro-life supporters still believe women should carry the pregnancy to term regardless.

“It’s such a terrible thing, and my heart breaks whenever I hear about it,” says Christina Vazquez, a freshman at the University of Central Florida. “But it’s never the child’s fault.”

“All life has value, no matter the tragic circumstances of its creation,” says Hillsdale College sophomore Kathleen Russo, who serves as the school’s March for Life coordinator.

They also stress the importance of caring for not only the child, but the mother as well, particularly in tragedy.

“Women need to be given the best care and love,” Gallic says. “There is still another human involved and we need to keep their rights in mind, but we need to love both of them in that situation.”

Pence voiced a similar opinion in his remarks at the march.

“Let this movement be known for love, not anger,” Pence said, emphasizing compassion over judgment.

University of Miami senior Alejandro Gomez says though he’s a strong believer in the pro-life movement, he refuses to judge anyone for being pro-choice.

“That’s the worst way to go about it,” Gomez said. “Instead of being judgmental, we should allot mercy and talk to those who are pro-choice about why we think like this.”

Pro-life supporters say there are various alternatives available for women considering abortion, including pregnancy crisis centers, which offer resources like clothing and counseling.

“There are always options and people who want to promote a culture of love,” Russo says. “We have to understand that all humans are in different circumstances but all need love, from babies in the womb to mothers in terrible situations.”

Brooke Metz is a member of the USA TODAY College contributor network.

This article comes from The USA TODAY College Contributor network. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of USA TODAY. You understand that we have no obligation to monitor any discussion forums, blogs, photo- or video-sharing pages, or other areas of the Site through which users can supply information or material. However, we reserve the right at all times, in our sole discretion, to screen content submitted by users and to edit, move, delete, and/or refuse to accept any content that in our judgment violates these Terms of Service or is otherwise unacceptable or inappropriate, whether for legal or other reasons.