THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Nellie, thank you. (Applause.) Thank
you very much, Nellie. And I want to thank everybody there for taking
part in today's March for Life. I appreciate so very much the devotion
to such an honorable cause, and the good work everyone is doing to
defend life.
And, Nellie, it's good to hear your voice again, and I thank you very
much for giving me a chance to visit with you and the crowd that is
assembled there on the Mall. (Applause.)
It is important for all Americans to remember that our Declaration of
Independence states that every person has the right to life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness. (Applause.) It also states that these
rights come from our Creator, and that governments are formed to secure
these rights for all their citizens. And we believe every human life has
value, and we pray for the day when every child is welcome in life and
protected into law. (Applause.)
Nellie, I want to thank you very much, and the members of Congress
there who have worked hard to make progress toward this goal over the
last six years. I want the folks assembled there to know that we're
making progress. We promoted adoption, support parental notification
laws, ended federal funding for abortions overseas, and are funding
crisis pregnancy programs. (Applause.)
I had the privilege of signing legislation that extends legal
protection to children who are born, despite abortion attempts, allows
prosecutors to charge those who harm or kill a pregnant woman with
harming or killing her unborn child, as well. (Applause.) I signed into
law a ban on the cruel practice of partial-birth abortions, and we will
vigorously defend that law in the courts.
Nellie, what I'm saying is, is that we're building a culture of life
here. And I want to thank you and everybody assembled for helping.
We are a caring nation, and our values should also guide us on how we
harness the gifts of science. New medical breakthroughs bring the hope
of cures for terrible diseases and treatments that can improve the lives
of millions. Our challenge is to make sure that science serves the cause
of humanity instead of the other way around. (Applause.)
Last summer I vetoed a bill that would support the taking of innocent
life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others, and I have made
it clear to the Congress we must pursue medical advances in the name of
life, not at the expense of it. (Applause.)
As we move forward, we've all got to remember that a true culture of
life cannot be built by changing laws alone. We've all got to work hard
to change hearts. We will find areas where we can agree and, at the same
time, work to persuade more of our fellow citizens to join this great
cause. The sanctity of life is written in the hearts of all men and
women. And so I say, go forth with confidence that a cause rooted in
human dignity and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens cannot
fail.
Again, Nellie, thank you very much. I appreciate your dedication to
this important cause. I send my thanks to all there on the Mall. I ask
for God's blessings on your work, and that God continue to bless our
country. (Applause.)
Thank you. |