President Bush Declares Sanctity of Human Life Day

January 21, 2003—Washington, DC: President Bush on Tuesday, January 21, declared a National Sanctity of Human Life Day and pledging his administration's commitment to "build a culture that respects life."

In the document, Bush called on all Americans to "reaffirm our commitment to respecting the life and dignity of every human being."

"By working together to protect the weak, the imperfect and the unwanted, we affirm a culture of hope and help ensure a brighter future for all."

Bush heralded Born-Alive Infants Protection Act he signed last year, which amends the legal definitions of "person," "human being," "child" and "individual" to include any baby that survives an abortion. The bill came as a response to revelations that a hospital in the Chicago area would induce labor in order to cause an abortion and leave the newborn baby to die afterwards.

Bush also underscored his administration's efforts to champion "compassionate alternatives" to abortion, such as promoting maternity group homes, encouraging abstinence and adoption and passing parental-notification and waiting-period laws.

He called unborn children "those without the voice and power to defend their own rights."

"Every child is a priority and a blessing and I believe that all should be welcomed in life and protected by law," he said. "Through ethical policies and the compassion of Americas, we will continue to build a culture that respects life."

Bush also took care to speak of the need to honor life at all stages.

He proclaimed this Sunday National Sanctity of Human Life Day, urging Americans to mark the occasion at home or in places of worship, to help others in need and to "reaffirm our commitment to respecting the life and dignity of every human being."

The six-paragraph document was enthusiastically received by pro-life advocates, who said it precisely summarized the philosophy behind the movement.

"This is exactly where we're at," said Darla St. Martin, associate executive director of National Right to Life. "It helps people to understand our cause. It helps people to understand why we are working so hard to defend unborn children."

President Bush's pro-life statement can be read at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030114-13.html