Presidential Proclamation: National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2009

1/16/2009
The White House Press (www.whitehouse.gov)

On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (White House) - A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America:

"All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us.

The most basic duty of government is to protect the life of the innocent. My Administration has been committed to building a culture of life by vigorously promoting adoption and parental notification laws, opposing Federal funding for abortions overseas, encouraging teen abstinence, and funding crisis pregnancy programs. In 2002, I was honored to sign into law the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which extends legal protection to children who survive an abortion attempt. I signed legislation in 2003 to ban the cruel practice of partial-birth abortion, and that law represents our commitment to building a culture of life in America. Also, I was proud to sign the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which allows authorities to charge a person who causes death or injury to a child in the womb with a separate offense in addition to any charges relating to the mother.

America is a caring Nation, and our values should guide us as we harness the gifts of science. In our zeal for new treatments and cures, we must never abandon our fundamental morals. We can achieve the great breakthroughs we all seek with reverence for the gift of life.

The sanctity of life is written in the hearts of all men and women. On this day and throughout the year, we aspire to build a society in which every child is welcome in life and protected in law. We also encourage more of our fellow Americans to join our just and noble cause. History tells us that with a cause rooted in our deepest principles and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens, we will prevail.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 18, 2009, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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1 - 10 of 14 Comments

Ken Egide
4 years ago
Today we had read at Mass at the request of our Bishop Thomas Olmstead, a statement on FOCA and its evils. What a contrast between Presidents!
John
4 years ago
Thank you for the proclamation.Life is the first right..Right to Life. Otherwise there is nothing to discuss. We have the duty to prtect life in all its stages!
Willilam L. Bailey
4 years ago
Thank you, Mr. President. I pray Mary, the fruit of whose womb is blessed, scripture states, protect you and keep you.
Ted Oniate
4 years ago
Dear Mr. President Bush, This is the best gift that anyone can give to our country especially during this troubled times. There are so many confused young citizens(and heartless adults too) out there in regards to abortion. A lot of politicians will never touch the issue because of the possibility of becoming "unpopular." May this proclamation be a start and an example to future politicians to help protect the lives of the unborn. May God bless you Mr. President, thank you.
john
4 years ago
Thank you Mr. President.The first right is the right to life, otherwise there is no other right, nothing to discuss. May the giver of life, human and devine be with you and your loved once.God bless Mr. Pre4sident Bush!
Mary
4 years ago
God Bless You, Mr. President!

The press has hated you ever since you first declared your intention to run for President. They have spewed lies and half truths and slander ever since. But you stood strong on your principles and did not waver. I will miss you as President. God Bless You and Laura as you start your new life.
Peggy
4 years ago
Thank you, President Bush. Clear, concise, honest - will you hear of this on CNN? My hope is that all who know life is the first gift without which no other gift is forthcoming will take the time to pray again for a renewed culture of life in these blessed United States - in your homes, in your churches, synogogues, mosques, etc. The atmosphere is beginning to change and that can only be good for all of us. Pray, too, for Mr. Bush and his family. God Bless All.
Fr. Joseph Pampackal India
4 years ago
On reading this proclamation we become happy. The next administration perhaps clearely against life. for they are pro-abortionists. No doubt, god will grant such an america a great blow in the history of mankind
jh
4 years ago
Thank you, Mr. President, for speaking clearly and acting decisively to protect unborn persons. And thank you for recognizing publicly that life is a sacred gift from God.
Nick
4 years ago
I will truly miss this President. In spite of all the mistakes he has made over the past eight years, he has undeniably been one of the most moral we have had, and definitely the greatest aly to Catholic Church we have ever had. God bless Mr. President. You wont get your reward on this earth, but you will get it.

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