[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[January 22, 1992]
[Page 132]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 132]]

Teleconference Remarks to the March for Life Rally

January 22, 1992
    I admire your conviction and dedication as you watch out for the 
most helpless members of our human family.
    The most compelling legacy of this Nation is Jefferson's concept 
that all are created equal. It doesn't say ``born equal.'' He says 
``created.'' From the moment the miracle of life occurs, human beings 
must cherish that life, must hold it in awe, must preserve, protect, and 
defend it. It's there in our Declaration of Independence that we are 
created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights to life, to 
liberty, and to the pursuit of happiness.
    I want to reaffirm my dedication and commitment to the simple 
recognition that all life is a precious gift, that each human being has 
intrinsic dignity and worth. We are making progress towards this 
recognition, and I will continue to oppose and fight back attempts by 
Congress to expand Federal funding for abortions.
    Much remains to be done as we reflect upon the gift of life. So, let 
us redouble our efforts, both in public and private sector, to encourage 
alternatives such as adoption.
    And on a personal note, I find the figures on the numbers of 
pregnancies that are terminated by abortion simply unconscionable.
    So, thank you for what you're doing, for your heartfelt, selfless 
work. For 19 years you've been tirelessly committed to a righteous 
cause. And I am out there with you in spirit. And may God bless you all.
    Thank you very much.

                    Note: The President spoke at 12:13 p.m. from the 
                        Oval Office at the White House to rally 
                        participants gathered on The Mall.