Pro-life groups laud vice-presidential candidate’s support for pregnant daughter

Washington D.C., Sep 2, 2008 / 23:01 pm

Pro-life groups are praising prospective Republican vice-presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin and her family for supporting their unmarried teenage daughter in her pregnancy.

On Monday Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband Todd released a statement saying, “Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.”

According to the Palins’ statement, Bristol will marry the father of her child. The Palins say the expecting parents are “going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family.”

The Palins asked the media to respect the privacy of their daughter and her boyfriend, Levi.

The American Life League (ALL) in a statement said it offers “congratulations” to the Palin family.

"Human life is always something to celebrate as a gift of infinite beauty and value," said ALL president Judie Brown. "Even under trying circumstances, a child has come into the world made in the image and likeness of God. The Palin family is to be congratulated on their first grandchild."

Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, said the announcement shows that the situation was another opportunity for Gov. Palin to “make a politically convenient choice or the right one.”

“The family could have treated the innocent baby as a 'punishment' and secretly snuffed out the child's life to avoid a high-profile embarrassment. Instead, they are embracing this unexpected baby as a child worthy of love, a human being who deserves respect, a weak member of their family who needs their care. The Palins have opened their family's challenge for all the world to see, providing a beautiful example for other families, many who have faced the same predicament.”

Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, political commentator for Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, said the situation is a “personal, family problem that deserves privacy.”

“We are confident that she and her family will handle this unexpected situation with grace and love,” Crouse continued. “We appreciate the fact that the Palins addressed the issue in a straightforward manner and that they are providing loving support to the teenager and her boyfriend.”

Crouse said her organization acknowledges what it says are the “courage and strength” of the Palin family “as they face up to their individual responsibilities in this circumstance.” Voicing prayers for the Palin family, Crouse said “We continue to support Sarah Palin as a top-notch candidate for the vice presidency.”