SBA Pro-Life America hosted a celebration on Capitol Hill to mark a historic pro-life victory: the defunding of Big Abortion through the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which ends forced taxpayer funding of abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood for one year. After decades of advocacy, this long-fought policy win represents a turning point in the effort to protect unborn babies — and we came together to celebrate the people who made it possible.

The event celebrated the tireless work of SBA Pro-Life America’s staff, our grassroots network of over a million pro-life supporters, and the coalition of pro-life organizations and lawmakers who stood united to deliver this victory.

Among those being celebrated were SBA Pro-Life America’s student canvassers, whose efforts were a vital part of the largest pro-life voter contact program in history. Deploying more than 3,400 canvassers from over 100 colleges, these young leaders helped reach over 10 million voters in key battleground states during the 2024 election cycle.

Their hard work was instrumental in electing pro-life champions in Congress — lawmakers who ultimately made the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and the defunding of Big Abortion possible. Several student canvassers joined the celebration and reflected on what it was like seeing the tangible results of their dedication. You can see what they had to say below about what it means to witness their efforts leading to this legislative victory.

The evening officially began with an intimate hour among SBA staff, reflecting on what this moment means for the future of the pro-life movement. SBA President Marjorie Dannenfelser opened the celebration by recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of the team. She spoke about the road it took to get here — and the role each person in the room played in achieving what once seemed impossible.

Frank Cannon, SBA’s chief political strategist, followed with a heartfelt toast. “It’s been a long battle,” he said. “None of this would be possible without everyone in this room — and the millions of supporters who aren’t in this room.” He reminded the staff that while this is a moment to celebrate, the fight isn’t over. “We have more battles ahead of us,” Frank said, “and they’re battles we intend to win.”

As supporters and members of Congress arrived, the room filled with energy and gratitude. Marjorie welcomed longtime pro-life champion Senator and Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham to warm applause, thanking him for his steadfast leadership in the fight for life.

Senator Graham didn’t hold back his excitement. “Embrace this win,” he told the crowd. “Embrace the pro-life movement. The public is with us — and we did it!” He praised the work of SBA and noted the importance of unity in this ongoing cause. Turning to Marjorie, he added, “You are a godsend to people in my business. You give us a pat on the back and a kick in the butt when we need it.”

The celebration continued with a powerful appearance by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Marjorie introduced him as the man without whom this win simply could not have happened. “This Bill is the foundation we’re going to build on,” she said, and thanked him for leading the charge on the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Speaker Johnson reflected on the deeper meaning of the bill, calling it “the biggest pro-life legislative victory we’ve had in decades — our biggest since the overturning of Roe.” He emphasized the values at the heart of the bill, saying, “We have honored the founding principles of our country with this bill. One of those principles being: In God we trust.”

“We took a big step forward in acknowledging the truth that everyone has an intrinsic right to life,” he said. “Our cause has just begun. We have to rebuild a culture of life — and we will.”

Before stepping down, Speaker Johnson turned to the room and thanked SBA and its supporters. “We could not have had this victory without you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

To mark the occasion, Marjorie invited any member of a pro-life organization in attendance who had played a role in this legislative victory to join Speaker Johnson for a photo. Dozens gathered at the front of the room — a visual reminder of the coalition it took to get here.

Marjorie closed the night by honoring the lawmakers, advocates, and supporters who made the moment possible — and with a nod to the work still ahead, she ended simply: “After this celebration — onward.”

Several Members of Congress joined us to celebrate, including Rep. Chris Smith (NJ‑04), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY‑AL), Rep. Mariannette Miller‑Meeks (IA‑02), Rep. John Rose (TN‑06), Rep. Brandon Gill (MO‑08), Rep. Mark Messmer (IN‑08), Rep. Bob Onder (MO‑03), Rep. Darrell Issa (CA‑48), Rep. Michael Baumgartner (WA), Rep. Mike Kennedy (UT), Rep. John McGuire (VA‑07), Rep. Pat Harrigan (PA‑09), Rep. Sherri Biggs (AZ‑05), Rep. James Baird (IN‑04), and Rep. Jim Jordan (OH‑04). Their leadership, advocacy, and votes were essential to passing the One Big Beautiful Bill—and this victory couldn’t have happened without them.

It was a night to mark a hard-earned win and to recognize the work that made it possible. With Big Abortion providers like Planned Parenthood now defunded for the year, SBA Pro-Life America is already focused on the next phase of the fight. There’s more to do — and with the strength of this movement and its supporters, we’re ready for what comes next.