For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 22, 2004
President Bush Calls "March for Life" Participants
Remarks by the President in Telephone Call to March for Life Participants
10:08 A.M. MST
THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you very much, Nellie. I appreciate
your kind introduction, and thank you for including me in this
celebration of life. I'm calling you today from Roswell, New Mexico.
(Applause.) And it sounds like you've got some people who know where
Roswell is here in the audience. (Applause.)
I know that good folks have gathered there on the Mall from every
corner of America to take part in the 31st March For Life. And I want
you to pass on my best to each one of them in person, please, and tell
them how much I appreciate their devotion to such a noble cause.
(Applause.)
You believe, as I do, that every person, however frail or
vulnerable, is a blessing. (Applause.) Each of us has a special
dignity, a place and purpose in this world. And in the Declaration of
Independence, our founders stated this self-evident truth: The right
to life does not come from government, it comes from the Creator of
life. (Applause.)
During the past three years we've made real progress toward
building a culture of life in America. As President, I've signed the
Born-Alive Infants Protection Act. (Applause.) I have signed
legislation supporting maternity group homes. (Applause.) Working
with the Congress, we have refused to spend taxpayers' money on
international programs that promote abortion overseas. (Applause.)
We're opposed to the destruction of embryos for stem cell research.
(Applause.) And last November, it was my honor to sign into law a ban
on the brutal procedure of partial birth abortion. (Applause.)
Nellie, I want you to know that our administration is vigorously
defending this law against those who would seek to overturn it in the
courts. (Applause.) I also want you to know without your hard work
and dedication to the cause of life, these achievements would not have
been possible.
But we all know there is still more to do. Earlier this week, I
proposed that we double federal funding for abstinence education
programs. (Applause.) We will continue to support crisis pregnancy
centers, adoption, parental notification laws, and the vital work of
faith-based groups. (Applause.)
I strongly support the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which the
House Judiciary Committee approved yesterday. (Applause.) And now the
entire Congress should act on this bill so I can sign it into law.
(Applause.)
We'll also work with Congress to pass without delay a comprehensive
and effective ban on human cloning. (Applause.) We can push the
limits of medical science while maintaining the highest of ethical
standards. Human life is a creation, not a commodity, and should not
be used as research material for reckless experiments. (Applause.)
Above all, we must continue with civility and respect to remind our
fellow citizens that all life is sacred and worthy of protection.
(Applause.) I know as you return to your communities you will redouble
your efforts to change hearts and minds, one person at a time.
(Applause.) And this is the way we will build a lasting culture of
life, a compassionate society in which every child is born into a
loving family and protected by law. (Applause.)
MS. GRAY: We pledge that to you, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Nellie. I appreciate so very much the
opportunity to speak to you and the assembled crowd. May God bless you
all, and may He continue to bless America. (Applause.) Thank you very
much. (Applause.)
END 10:15 A.M. MST
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