[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 3 (Monday, January 28, 2008)]
[Page 91]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8217--National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2008

January 18, 2008

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we recognize that each life 
has inherent dignity and matchless value, and we reaffirm our steadfast 
determination to defend the weakest and most vulnerable members of our 
society.
    America was founded on the belief that all men are created equal and 
have an inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of 
happiness, and our country remains committed to upholding that founding 
principle. Since taking office, I have signed legislation to help 
protect life at all stages, and my Administration will continue to 
encourage adoption, fund abstinence education and crisis pregnancy 
programs, and support faith-based groups. Today, as our society searches 
for new ways to ease human suffering, we must pursue the possibilities 
of science in a manner that respects the sacred gift of life and upholds 
our moral values.
    Our Nation has made progress in its efforts to protect human life, 
and we will strive to change hearts and minds with compassion and 
decency. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day and throughout the year, 
we help strengthen the culture of life in America and work for the day 
when every child is welcomed in life and protected in law.
    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 20, 2008, 
as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to 
recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our 
commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every 
human being.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day 
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:56 a.m., January 24, 
2008]

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.