WASHINGTON, D.C., JAN. 15, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Next Sunday the United States will officially observe national «Sanctity of Human Life» Day, proclaimed by President George W. Bush.
In the proclamation, published Tuesday, the president explains: «I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies in our homes and places of worship, to rededicate ourselves to compassionate service, and to reaffirm our commitment to respecting the life and dignity of every human being.»
«Every child is a priority and a blessing, and I believe that all should be welcomed in life and protected by law,» the document adds.
Next Wednesday marks the 30th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that opened the way to legalized abortion.
«My administration,» Bush says, «has championed compassionate alternatives to abortion, such as helping women in crisis through maternity group homes, encouraging adoption, promoting abstinence education, and passing laws requiring parental notification and waiting periods for minors.»
In this connection, Bush recalled that last August he signed the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act that «helps protect the most vulnerable members of our society by ensuring that every infant born alive, including one who survives abortion, is considered a person and receives protection under federal law.»
«Faith-based and community organizations and individual citizens play a critical role in strengthening our neighborhoods and bringing care and comfort to those in need,» he stresses. By «helping fellow citizens, these groups recognize the dignity of every human being and the possibilities of every life; and their important efforts are helping to build a more just and generous nation.»
«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,» he says.