Focus on the Family Calls for an End to the Culture of Death; Thirty Years of Abortion on Demand has Eroded Respect for Life 1/20/2003
From: Paul Hetrick or Julie Neils, 719-531-3400, both of Focus on the Family COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 20 -- As the nation prepares to observe 30 years of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton -- the two 1973 Supreme Court judgements legalizing abortion on demand -- Focus on the Family reflects on the tragic consequences of these landmark decisions. The pro-family organization seeks to empower women with more life-affirming options by partnering with churches all across the nation to sponsor Sanctity of Human Life Week (Jan. 19-26). "The act of abortion has undermined our respect for life at every stage of existence, from the cradle to the grave, and has opened the door to cloning, infanticide, euthanasia and child abuse," said Dr. James C. Dobson, founder and president of Focus on the Family. "In the three decades since the Roe decision, more than 42 million preborn babies-fully 28 percent of the younger generation-have been killed in the name of a 'woman's right to choose.' "Supporters of abortion tell us that the 'right to choose' is the only consideration," Dobson added. "Yet, in reality, research reveals that an alarming number of women are coerced to have abortions by their husbands, boyfriends, parents and most notably, by abortion clinic 'counselors.' That should come as no surprise in light of revelations from former abortion clinic workers who have told us that the industry is driven entirely by a profit motive." The victims of this fatal deception aren't just those babies who are never given a chance at life. Women who choose abortion are victimized as well. "Abortion is no choice for a woman who thinks that is her only choice," explained Carrie Gordon Earll, Focus on the Family's bioethics analyst. "Even if a woman wants to continue her pregnancy, financial woes and the disruption of school or career plans are what most often pushes her toward abortion. This is where society's acceptance of abortion denies a woman a true choice in an unexpected pregnancy. "Women need to know they can continue their pregnancies and keep their place at school or on the job." A key component of Focus on the Family's Sanctity of Human Life Week is to help encourage the development of those programs and networks. Churches all across the country will focus on educating and equipping their congregations with a biblical worldview of life. During the week and throughout the year, Focus on the Family actively supports the work of those involved in providing women comprehensive, life-affirming choices and provides assistance to thousands of pregnancy resource centers and churches. "When it comes to defending the sanctity of human life, we will fight for our message to be heard even if our government and culture embrace the many lies that surround the issue of abortion," Dobson said. "The truth will never change, even if some choose not to believe it. A child growing in the womb is a human being, of inestimable worth in God's sight. Abortion is murder. And these are not matters of opinion." ------ James C. Dobson, Ph.D. is a psychologist, author, radio broadcaster and the president of Focus on the Family. Founded in 1977, Focus on the Family is a nonprofit Christian organization committed to strengthening the family in the U.S. and throughout the world. Focus on the Family's secular and Christian radio and TV broadcasts are heard or seen by 28 million people a week. |