Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Organizers of Illinois Right to Life‘s annual event in Springfield estimated 2,000 for their rally and march.

Illinois has become an abortion haven, with clinics operating along the state line to attract women from other states and, said one of the speakers, other parts of the nation. Another complaint: the attempted impediment of “sidewalk counselors'” mission to attempt to dissuade women from entering abortion clinics.

Students from high schools around the state were part of the proceedings.

Speaking to the issue, IC Catholic Prep student Toby Piotrowski of Lombard said, “I’ve learned about it in school, but I’ve also learned about it from my parents, my church – just from being around people in the Catholic faith.”

Why would a high school senior give up a day of, say, March Madness to participate in a pro-life rally? “Life is so much important than everything else,” Piotrowski said, adding he wanted to stand up for those who cannot protect themselves.