    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [January 22, 2004]
    [Pages 102-103]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Telephone Remarks to the March for Life
    January 22, 2004

        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. And it sounds like you've got some people who know
    where Roswell is here in the audience.
        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.
        You believe, as I do, that every person, however frail or
    vulnerable, is a blessing. 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.
        During the past 3 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. I have signed legislation supporting maternity
    group homes. Working with the Congress, we have refused to spend
    taxpayers' money on international programs that promote abortion
    overseas. We're opposed to the destruction of embryos for stem cell
    research. And last November, it was my honor to sign into law a ban on
    the brutal procedure of partial-birth abortion.
        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. 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. We will continue to support crisis pregnancy centers,
    adoption, parental notification laws, and the vital work of faith-based
    groups.
        I strongly support the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which the
    House Judiciary

    [[Page 103]]

    Committee approved yesterday. And now the entire Congress should act on
    this bill so I can sign it into law.
        We'll also work with Congress to pass without delay a comprehensive
    and effective ban on human cloning. 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.
        Above all, we must continue, with civility and respect, to remind
    our fellow citizens that all life is sacred and worthy of protection. I
    know, as you return to your communities, you will redouble your efforts
    to change hearts and minds one person at a time. 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.
        Nellie 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. Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:08 a.m. from Roswell, NM, to march
    participants on the National Mall in Washington, DC. In his remarks, he
    referred to Nellie J. Gray, president, March for Life Education and
    Defense Fund.