The same day thousands of pro-lifers marched against abortion in Washington, D.C., one of the world's tiniest premature babies was finally released from the hospital in California.

Little Melinda Star Guido was born August 30, 2011, weighing just 9.5 ounces -- less than a can of soda.

"It's a very big miracle. I'm just happy she's here," Melinda's mother, Haydee Ibarra, said. "I knew that she was going to make it. She's a survivor. She's a fighter."

Melinda was delivered by Caesarean section at just 24 weeks, two weeks beyond the gestational age considered for late-term abortions.

Her skin was too thin to protect her from infections. Doctors didn't expect her to live more than a few days.

"In my 30 years here, this is the first time this has ever happened, that we are able to discharge a baby who weighed less than 400 grams [14 ounces] or 300 grams [10.5 ounces]," neonatologist Dr. Rangasamy Ramanathan, said.

"[You] don't expect to do miracles every day," the doctor added.

Melinda now weighs 4.5 pounds and is still breathing with an oxygen tube. Doctors say she's in good condition, but will need to be monitored for the next six years.

Melinda is the world's third smallest baby to survive.