Focus On The Family Calls For An End To The Culture Of Death

Focus on the Family
Tuesday, 22 January 2002

Twenty-Nine Years of Roe v. Wade has Eroded Respect for Life

On this 29th anniversary of Roe v. Wade-the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion on demand-Focus on the Family reflects on the tragic consequences of this landmark decision and seeks to empower more women with truth and life-affirming options.

"Abortion is more than a political topic to be bandied about on the Sunday morning television talk shows or mentioned as an afterthought in a candidate's position statement," said Carrie Gordon Earll, Focus on the Family's Bioethics Analyst. "It is a painful reality for millions of American women who feel they have no other option and for their unborn children who often die as a result of his or her mother's uninformed decision.

"Abortion is not truly a choice unless every woman facing an unexpected pregnancy is informed of all of her alternatives and potential health risks associated with abortion," said Earll. "We know much more today about the long-term psychological and physical complications of abortion than we did in 1973-including the increased risk of breast cancer and potential complications with future pregnancies. Women deserve to know what an abortion choice may mean for their future health.

"Twenty-nine years of legalized abortion has infected our culture with a mentality that deems some life as expendable, thereby threatening members of the human family in other stages of life through embryonic stem cell research and physician-assisted suicide. Human life, regardless of its stage of development, is never disposable," said Earll.

Focus on the Family is working to end this culture of death by joining with thousands of churches to celebrate "Sanctity of Human Life Week." Pastors all across the country will focus on educating and equipping their congregations with a biblical worldview of life. Focus actively supports the work of those involved in providing women comprehensive, life-affirming choices and provides assistance to thousands of crisis pregnancy centers and churches.

"Despite our culture's assault on life, the pro-life movement has done amazing things to help women," said Earll. "We will continue to work for the day when women and children are not victimized, the elderly are respected, and the handicapped are cared for as unique human beings created in the image of God."

For more information, or to contact Focus on the Family, see their website at: www.family.org