Giving Thanks for President Bush’s Support for the Culture of Life

His remaining days in office are numbered, and this Thanksgiving, President Bush is certain to give thanks for many things accomplished during his tenure as President.

The right-to-life cause has reason to give great and grateful thanks to President Bush for his strong and dedicated promotion of the culture of life. During his presidency:

• Abortions continued their downward trend.
• Federal funding was denied to those promoting or performing abortions overseas or in military hospitals.
• The partial-birth abortion ban became law. Not only did President Bush sign this important law, but his administration fought attempts to overturn it in three court jurisdictions and all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
• The Born Alive Infants Protection Act was signed into law.
• The Unborn Victims of Violence Act was signed into law.
• John Roberts and Samuel Alito were named to the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Funding for abstinence programs was made available to the states.
• Conscience rights for medical professionals and facilities were strengthened.
• The Justice Department took an assisted suicide case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

President Bush changed the face of the stem cell debate. Not only did he refuse to spend federal monies to destroy human embryos for research purposes, Bush increased funding for ethical adult stem cell research which is helping real people with real diseases.

Bush withstood enormous pressure to fund destruction of human embryos and for that he is a special hero. His unwavering commitment to life led scientists to discover iPS cells which are revolutionizing the industry. iPS cells do not rely on the destruction of human life, are plentiful and easy to obtain, and will be patient-specific so they are not rejected by the recipient.

God be with you President Bush. Please know of our undying gratitude for all you have done to advance the cause of life. You will be sorely missed.

Barbara Lyons