Movement ‘will not fail,’ Bush tells pro-lifers

By Tom Strode - Jan 31, 2005 - comment

America’s history indicates the pro-life movement will succeed, President George W. Bush told tens of thousands of Americans gathered Jan. 24 for the annual March for Life.

Speaking by phone to the massive crowd, the President said, “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—that this movement will not fail.

“The America of our dreams, where every child is welcomed in . . . life and protected in law may still be some ways away, but even from the far side of the river . . . we can see its glimmerings,” Bush said.

The march has been held every year since the first anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Participants heard from Bush, as well as members of Congress and pro-life leaders, before marching up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court building.

The most significant pro-life issue during the next four years is likely to be the confirmation of a new justice or justices to the Supreme Court. Chief Justice William Rehnquist, one of only three justices opposed to Roe v. Wade, is suffering from thyroid cancer. It has been predicted he might retire at any time. Retirement for other members of the court also has been rumored.

Supporters of Roe hold a 6-3 edge on the court, so it will require the confirmation of multiple Bush nominees who believe the far-reaching opinion has no constitutional basis in order to set the stage for a reversal.

The National Right to Life Committee said on the day of the march a majority of the new members of Congress are pro-life. Seven of nine new senators are pro-life, and 22 of 40 new representatives hold the same position, NRLC said. Another three new House members are expected to vote with the pro-life side most of the time, according to the committee.
A transcript of Bush’s speech to the marchers may be accessed online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/01/20050124-7.html .

Further Learning

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