30 Years of Legalized 
Abortion Has Changed a Nation Forever

December 3, 2002—Colorado Springs, CO:  In 1973, Richard Nixon was President, the Watergate scandal made headlines, and a gallon of gasoline cost 39 cents. Perhaps more historic were two U.S. Supreme Court cases that spawned a heated debate which divides our country still today.

This January marks the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, the court cases legalizing abortion. Focus on the Family joins other organizations, denominations, publishers and bookstores to encourage Americans to respect human life at all stages during Sanctity of Human Life Week, January 19-26. Each year, thousands of churches dedicate a Sunday in January as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.

In the past three decades, legalized abortion has affected our country in more ways than most can comprehend. From the forty million+ preborn children killed, to their mothers who are maimed physically, psychologically, or emotionally - our culture's tolerance of abortion has netted untold agony, sorrow and regret.

"For the past 30 years, we have been witnesses to the pain, confusion and division that abortion has created," said Dr. Julie Parton, manager of Focus on the Family's Crisis Pregnancy Ministry. "Sanctity of Human Life Week provides a time for us to come together as a unified voice and renew our efforts to protect all who are affected by abortion."

Bearing the image of a budding flower, Focus on the Family's theme for this year's campaign is "even the smallest life is astonishing." Our culture's recognition and respect for life, even at the youngest and most vulnerable stage, is essential to end abortion.

Focus on the Family offers a Sanctity of Human Life Handbook, as well as a six minute video entitled Life is Sacred, to churches and individuals for more ideas on how to get involved. These materials and other pro-life resources are available through Focus on the Family at 1-800-A-FAMILY.