    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [January 22, 2007]
    [Pages 41-42]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Telephone Remarks to the March for Life
    January 22, 2007

        Yes, Nellie, thank you. Thank you very
    much, Nellie. And I want to thank everybody there for taking part in
    today's March for Life. I appreciate so very much the devotion to such
    an honorable cause, and the good work everyone is doing to defend life.
        And, Nellie, it's good to hear your voice
    again, and I thank you very much for giving me a chance to visit with
    you and the crowd that is assembled there on The Mall.
        It is important for all Americans to remember that our Declaration
    of Independence states that every person has the right to life, liberty,
    and the pursuit of happiness. It also states that these rights come from
    our Creator and that governments are formed to secure these rights for
    all their citizens. And we believe every human life has value. And we
    pray for the day when every child is welcome in life and protected into
    law.
        Nellie, I want to thank you very much and
    the Members of Congress there who have worked hard to make progress
    toward this goal over the last 6 years. I want the folks assembled there
    to know that we're making progress. We promoted adoption, support
    parental notification laws, ended Federal funding for abortions
    overseas, and are funding crisis pregnancy programs.
        I had the privilege of signing legislation that extends legal
    protection to children who are born despite abortion attempts, allows
    prosecutors to charge those who harm or kill a pregnant woman with
    harming or killing her unborn child as well. I signed into law a ban on
    the cruel practice of partial-birth abortions, and we will vigorously
    defend that law in the courts.
        Nellie, what I'm saying is, is that we're
    building a culture of life here. And I want to thank you and everybody
    assembled for helping.
        We are a caring nation, and our values should also guide us on how
    we harness the gifts of science. New medical breakthroughs bring the
    hope of cures for terrible diseases and treatments that can improve the
    lives of millions. Our challenge is to make sure that science serves the
    cause of humanity instead of the other way around.
        Last summer I vetoed a bill that would support the taking of
    innocent life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others, and I
    have made it clear to the Congress, we must pursue medical advances in
    the name of life, not at the expense of it.
        As we move forward, we've all got to remember that a true culture of
    life cannot be built by changing laws alone. We've all got to work hard
    to change hearts. We will find areas where we can agree and, at the same
    time, work to persuade more of our fellow citizens to join this great
    cause. The sanctity of life is written in the hearts of all men and
    women. And so I say: Go forth with confidence that a cause rooted in
    human dignity and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens cannot
    fail.
        Again, Nellie, thank you very much. I
    appreciate your dedication to this important cause. I send my thanks to
    all there on The Mall. I ask for God's blessings on your work and that
    God continue to bless our country.
        Thank you.

    [[Page 42]]

    Note: The President spoke at 12:07 p.m. from Camp David, MD, 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.