The ‘Sky-blue wave’ gathered hundreds of thousands in more than 100 cities to defend family, “the two lives” and the fundamental freedoms.

“Welcoming every child, supporting every woman” was one of the messages.

“The pain after abortion” was this year’s theme. Police officers protected the celebration from radical counterprotesters.

Pro-choice group Abortion Rights had organised a counter demonstration. One week before the march, a law which bans prayer or the offer of help outside a London abortion centre came into effect.