Thousands at the Czech March for Life in Prague with Heavy Police Presence Due to Counter Protestors

Prague's "March for Life" began with an opening Mass in St. Vitus Cathedral dedicated to "pregnant women in difficult life situations" - Birth rates are also declining in the Czech Republic
Thousands of people gathered in Prague on April 11th, for the "March for Life." The demonstration, organized by the "Hnuti Pro zivot CR" (Movement for Life) organization, focused on supporting women facing unwanted pregnancies. The march traditionally began with a service at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle, before several separate marches proceeded towards Wenceslas Square. Simultaneously, several counter-demonstrations protested against the mixing of religion, politics, and legislation. Despite some incidents, authorities reported that the situation remained under control and ended without major disturbances.

The liturgical celebration for pregnant women, their families, and unborn children was organized by the Archdiocese of Prague in conjunction with the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus. The Mass, in the spirit of the Catholic pro-life movement, was explicitly dedicated to "pregnant women in difficult life situations." Radim Uchac, chairman of the "Movement for Life" organization, explained that the aim was not an ideological dispute about rights, but rather "to highlight the need for concrete help."

Social demands and support services

The march focused on the protection of unborn life as well as social and economic demands. According to the organizers, thousands of women in high-risk pregnancies in the Czech Republic receive inadequate support each year. Many abortions are not primarily a matter of free choice, but rather a consequence of economic hardship and a lack of social support, they stated. Economic insecurity, in particular, has become a growing factor in recent years.

Therefore, reforms in housing, taxation, and social security were demanded to prevent childbirth from leading to social decline. Uchac also highlighted the practical work of the "Movement for Life," which offers concrete support through its pregnancy hotline. More than 7,000 women have received assistance since 2006.

The demonstration took place against the backdrop of declining birth rates. According to official data, around 77,600 children were born in the Czech Republic in 2025, while approximately 15,000 abortions were registered. The organizers see this as a warning sign for society and are calling for stronger political measures to support families.

Counter-demonstrations: "My body, my choice"

Due to official regulations, this year's march was divided into several parallel demonstrations. Groups started at various locations, including Hradčany Square, and moved towards the city center. A large police presence was maintained. According to officers, the situation remained largely calm overall, although there were isolated incidents.

A counter-demonstration had also formed alongside the march. Participants, under the motto "Prague is feminist," temporarily blocked streets and criticized the influence of religious groups on political debates. Slogans of the counter-demonstrations included: "My body, my choice!" and "Our weapon is solidarity!" One of the demands voiced was that religious beliefs should not be translated into laws concerning women's bodies.

Particularly in the center of Prague, there were repeated blockages. Reports indicate that several intersections were blocked by counter-protesters, temporarily halting the march. The situation escalated on Na Prikope Street when hundreds of demonstrators blocked the way, prompting police intervention. Police deployed riot squads and de-escalation teams and established a corridor for the march participants.

Sources: https://hnutiprozivot.cz/blog/3063-pochod-pro-zivot-jedine-a-jedinecne-shromazdeni-na-podporu-zen-cekajicich-necekane-dite-a-jejich-rodin