Washington D.C., Jan 16, 2009 / 15:08 pm
In what may be his last declaration as U.S. president, George W. Bush has announced that he is establishing January 18, 2009 as "National Sanctity of Human Life Day."
President Bush writes that "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."
Looking back at his Administration, the president made the case for it being one "committed to building a culture of life." Among the achievements for life he highlighted are: "vigorously promoting adoption and parental notification laws, opposing Federal funding for abortions overseas, encouraging teen abstinence, and funding crisis pregnancy programs."