House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) revealed he was the result of an unplanned pregnancy at the 2024 March For Life rally in Washington, D.C.
On Friday, Johnson, 51, addressed the crowd and shared his personal pro-life story.
“I am myself the product of an unplanned pregnancy,” Johnson shared. “In January of 1972, exactly one year before Roe v. Wade, my parents, who were just teenagers at the time, chose life, and I am very profoundly grateful that they did.”
He said, “I believe the reason all of you are here is you understand we have to build a culture that encourages and assists more and more people to make that same decision.”
“This is a critical time to help all moms who are facing unplanned pregnancies to work with foster children and to help families who are adopting. To volunteer and assist our vital pregnancy resource centers and our maternity homes, and to reach out a renewed hand of compassion and to speak the truth in love,” Johnson said, adding “That’s what we do.”
According to March for Life’s website, its mission is to “promote the beauty and dignity of every human life by working to end abortion—uniting, educating, and mobilizing pro-life people in the public square.”
On Jan. 19, the House passed the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, which is a bill that requires colleges to inform women of their student rights, resources, and accommodations if they were to become pregnant.
The House also passed the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, which is a bill that prohibits “the Secretary of Health and Human Services from restricting funding for pregnancy centers.”
During his speech, Johnson explained why the House passed the two bills.
“We are passing these bills and marching today because it takes a lot of work to convince people that every single human child, every unborn child, has a value that’s too precious to ignore. We have every reason to be optimistic that we can change public opinion,” Johnson said.
He concluded his speech with some words of encouragement to the crowd.
“My friends, let’s be encouraged. Let’s press on in hope that we can join together and make this great difference. I believe that we can,” he declared.
He added, “We can stand with every woman, for every child, and we can truly build a culture that cherishes and protects life.”
In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, in October, Johnson said he is a “Bible-believing Christian” after he was pressed on his stance on homosexuality.
“I respect the rule of law but I also genuinely love all people regardless of their lifestyle choices,” he said.