[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.