Senator Marco Rubio R-Fla. today marked the 40th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision, which struck down state anti-abortion laws.

“Today marks the tragic anniversary of one of America’s most blatant instances of judicial activism that paved the way for the destruction of innocent unborn life,” Rubio said. “Since this decision, tens of millions of our nation’s unborn babies have been denied the chance to celebrate a birthday, begin kindergarten or go on to contribute their God-given talents to our world.”

Rubio pledged to fight to reduce abortions in the country but added that pro-life activists should continue to advocate for the issue.

“As with many of our nation’s most important debates, the battlefield of this issue is in the hearts and minds of the American electorate, and I pray that we can one day live in a society that fully cherishes every life from conception until death,” Rubio added.

Sen. Rubio is not expected to speak at the March for Life in Washington D.C. on Friday, as he will be in Miami with his family.