    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 32 (Monday, August 12, 2002)]
    [Page 1315]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks on Signing the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002

    August 5, 2002

        Well, thank you all very much for this bill signing ceremony. I'm
    pleased to sign it in the great city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The
    history of our country is the story of a promise, a promise of life and
    liberty made at our founding and fulfilled over the centuries in our
    laws. It is a story of expanding inclusion and protection for the
    ignored and the weak and the powerless. And now we extend the promise
    and protection to the most vulnerable members of our society.
        Today I sign the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act. This important
    legislation ensures that every infant born alive--including an infant
    who survives an abortion procedure--is considered a person under Federal
    law. This reform was passed with the overwhelming support of both
    political parties, and it is about to become the law of the land.
        I appreciate so very much Senator Rick Santorum, and Congressman
    Steve Chabot from Ohio for sponsoring this important piece of
    legislation. I also appreciate Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania and
    Congresswoman Melissa Hart for coming as well.
        I want to thank the bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop
    Wuerl, for being here. It's good to see you again, Bishop. I appreciate
    Hadley Arkes, the professor of jurisprudence and American institutions
    at Amherst University. I want to thank Jill Stanek, registered nurse,
    labor and delivery unit, Christ Hospital and Medical Center, for being
    here as well. I appreciate Gianna Jessen, who is an abortion survivor
    and a pro-life advocate. I want to thank Dr. Watson Bowes, who is a
    professor emeritus of gynecology and obstetrics, school of medicine,
    University of North Carolina.
        I want to thank you all for coming. It's important that you're here
    to send a signal that you're dedicated to the protection of human life.
    The issue of abortion divides Americans, no question about it. Yet,
    today we stand on common ground. The Born-Alive Infants Protection Act
    establishes a principle in America law and American conscience: There is
    no right to destroy a child who has been born alive. A child who is born
    has intrinsic worth and must have the full protection of our laws.
        Today, through sonograms and other technology, we can clearly--see
    clearly that unborn children are members of the human family as well.
    They reflect our image, and they were created in God's own image.
        The Born-Alive Infants Protection Act is a step toward the day when
    every child is welcomed in life and protected in law. It is a step
    toward the day when the promises of the Declaration of Independence will
    apply to everyone, not just those with the voice and power to defend
    their rights. This law is a step toward the day when America fully
    becomes, in the words of Pope John Paul II, ``a hospitable, a welcoming
    culture.''
        Our society has enough compassion and wealth and love to care for
    mothers and their children and to seek the promise and potential of
    every life. In protecting the vulnerable and the weak, the imperfect and
    the unwanted, you are affirming a culture of life.
        I'm grateful for your perseverance on behalf of this noble cause. I
    want to thank you for your hard work. I appreciate your care for every
    member of the human family. Thank you for coming today.
        It's now my honor and pleasure to sign into law the Born-Alive
    Infants Protection Act.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:58 p.m. in Ballroom 3 at the Hilton
    Pittsburgh. H.R. 2175, approved August 5, was assigned Public Law No.
    107-207.