As thousands of pro-lifers from all walks of life gathered at the U.S. Capitol for the 32nd annual March for Life rally and march, President George W. Bush promised to protect "the vulnerable" and promote "the culture of life", Monday, January 24, 2005.

"You know, we come from many backgrounds -- different backgrounds, but what unites us is our understanding that the essence of civilisation is this: The strong have a duty to protect the weak," began Bush, as he addressed the diverse crowd via telephone.

While Bush did not directly use the word "abortion" throughout his short address, he repeated spoke of the need to promote compassion for "women and their unborn babies."

"I appreciate so very much your work toward building a culture of life -- a culture that will protect the most innocent among us and the voiceless. We are working to promote a culture of life, to promote compassion for women and their unborn babies," said Bush, amid thunderous applause.

The 32nd annual rally, organised by the March for Life Fund, began at the Ellipse for a program that included the telephone address from Bush and several in-person speeches from Catholic bishops, pro-life priests. The rally marked the 32nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that first legalizing abortion in America.

The pro-life protestors then marched along Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court to rally against abortion, stem cell research, euthanasia and the like.

Bush took note in his address that his administration is working to maintain the ban on partial birth abortion and policy against spending government funding on stem-cell research.

"We're also moving ahead in terms of medicine and research to make sure the gifts of science are consistent with our highest values of freedom, equality, family and human dignity," Bush said. "We will not sanction the creation of life only to destroy it."

Bush also told the protesters that they will eventually prevail, because of what he described as the justness of their cause.

"I encourage you to take warmth and comfort from our history, which tells us that a movement that appeals to the noblest and most generous instincts of our fellow Americans -- and that is based on a sacred promise enshrined in our founding document," said Bush.

"I ask that God bless you for your dedication, and may God continue to bless our great country."




Pauline J. Chang
Ecumenical Press