The Gift of Life

To borrow words from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, January 22, 1973 is a “date which will live in infamy”. That date marks the day America turned her back on common sense, decency and God.

In January 1973, the Supreme Court issued a 7–2 decision ruling that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides a "right to privacy" that protects a pregnant woman's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. That decision has resulted in the deaths of over 60 million irreplaceable lives.

Before his departure, President Trump issued a proclamation declaring January 22^nd National Sanctity of Human Life Day. He began the Proclamation by stating:

“Every human life is a gift to the world. Whether born or unborn, young or old, healthy or sick, every person is made in the holy image of God. The Almighty Creator gives unique talents, beautiful dreams, and a great purpose to every person. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we celebrate the wonder of human existence and renew our resolve to build a culture of life where every person of every age is protected, valued, and cherished.”

In the proclamation, President Trump rightly acknowledged that Roe v. Wade is a “constitutionally flawed” decision. That puts him in good company with both conservative and liberal legal scholars who recognize the shacky footing on which Roe was decided. He continued the proclamation by saying:

“…strong mothers, courageous students, and incredible community members and people of faith are leading a powerful movement to awaken America’s conscience and restore the belief that every life is worthy of respect, protection, and care. Because of the devotion of countless pro-life pioneers, the call for every person to recognize the sanctity of life is resounding more loudly in America than ever before. Over the last decade, the rate of abortions has steadily decreased, and today, more than three out of every four Americans support restrictions on abortion.”

The Proclamation is a clarion call to stay the course in the fight for life. We have seen the impact of pro-life judges on legal decisions that protect life; we have recognized the mandate to protect the rights of conscience of healthcare professionals; we have learned that exporting protection and care for the family globally is more profitable than sending dollars overseas for abortion.

The Proclamation recognized that standing for life protects the soul of the nation. It acknowledged that:

“…restoring a culture of respect for the sacredness of life is fundamental to solving our country’s most pressing problems. When each person is treated as a beloved child of God, individuals can reach their full potential, communities will flourish, and America will be a place of even greater hope and freedom. “

Hopefully Roe v Wade will someday be an ugly chapter of American history. But until that day, in the words of the proclamation:

“We vow to celebrate and support every heroic mother who chooses life. And we resolve to defend the lives of every innocent and unborn child, each of whom can bring unbelievable love, joy, beauty, and grace into our Nation and the entire world.”

Those are my thoughts. I’m Janet Parshall.