[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 4 (Monday, January 30, 2006)]
[Page 99]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7975--National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2006

 January 20, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Our Nation was founded on the belief that every human being has 
rights, dignity, and value. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we 
underscore our commitment to building a culture of life where all 
individuals are welcomed in life and protected in law.
    America is making great strides in our efforts to protect human 
life. One of my first actions as President was to sign an order banning 
the use of taxpayer money on programs that promote abortion overseas. 
Over the past 5 years, I also have been proud to sign into law the Born-
Alive Infants Protection Act, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and a 
ban on partial-birth abortion. In addition, my Administration continues 
to fund abstinence and adoption programs and numerous faith-based and 
community initiatives that support these efforts.
    When we seek to advance science and improve our lives, we must 
always preserve human dignity and remember that human life is a gift 
from our Creator. We must not sanction the creation of life only to 
destroy it. America must pursue the tremendous possibilities of medicine 
and research and at the same time remain an ethical and compassionate 
society.
    National Sanctity of Human Life Day is an opportunity to strengthen 
our resolve in creating a society where every life has meaning and our 
most vulnerable members are protected and defended--including unborn 
children, the sick and dying, and persons with disabilities and birth 
defects. This is an ideal that appeals to the noblest and most generous 
instincts within us, and this is the America we will achieve by working 
together.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, January 22, 2006, 
as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to 
recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to reaffirm our 
commitment to respecting and defending the life and dignity of every 
human being.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day 
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:03 a.m., January 24, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on January 
25. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.