Restoring a Culture of Life
May 13, 2009
As featured in the January 22,2009 edition of The Washington Times:
Today marks the second time this week where thousands will descend on our Nation's Capital. For some, this will be the 36th consecutive year that they have braved the January cold to march as part of the pro-life community. In spite of the makeup of Congress and our new President's stated position on the issue of life, we in the pro-life cause are full of hope and optimistic for change. Our optimism stems from our belief in the goodness of America. We understand, like our Founding Fathers understood, that we are endowed by our Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We understand that there is a basic goodness to our country, and although it may take some time, America will get it right.
While our pro-life convictions cement our belief that we will ultimately overturn Roe v. Wade, we do understand the threats we face in the upcoming Congress. The Democratic leadership and President Obama have indicated that important pro-life measures are now in jeopardy. We have the threat of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would overturn every pro-life victory that we have won in the more than three decades since Roe v. Wade. Also in jeopardy is the continuance of the "pro-life riders." These important measures, added to the annual appropriations bills, have prevented American tax dollars from being used to promote or perform abortion.
In the months ahead, attacks to pro-life protections will come from all directions. That is why it is important we not only defend existing legislation but also look to make advancements that will protect life. The pro-life community knows that improvements in technology have helped our side of the debate. The ability to see a beating heart of an unborn child has an impact on everyone. I still remember those first pictures of our four children. They brought overwhelming pride and emotion as I stood with my wife Polly, in awe of the images before us.
That is why on this day, along with other pro-life members of Congress, we are excited about introducing the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act. This legislation will empower women with information, and it will provide them the opportunity to make a truly informed decision.
With the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act, a doctor would have the ability to perform an ultrasound on a pregnant woman and provide an accompanying explanation and display of the results. The physician's description would provide information on the size of the unborn child, its heartbeat and the presence of limbs and internal organs. This information would be entirely voluntary to the patient, who would not be compelled to view the images or hear the description. In states that already have this law, it has proven to be an effective tool to reduce the number of abortions. This visual invites a deeper reflection on the humanity of the unborn child. We believe the compelling image will result in more children having the gift of life.
On this solemn day, I want to thank the thousands who are united in Washington to lend their voices to the unborn. Thousands who represent the millions who have worked tirelessly to preserve a culture of life in America. Today, in the January cold, we celebrate another year of our commitment to the unalienable right to life our Creator intended for all human beings.
Rep. Jordan is a member of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and is in his second term as Ohio's Fourth District Representative.
Today marks the second time this week where thousands will descend on our Nation's Capital. For some, this will be the 36th consecutive year that they have braved the January cold to march as part of the pro-life community. In spite of the makeup of Congress and our new President's stated position on the issue of life, we in the pro-life cause are full of hope and optimistic for change. Our optimism stems from our belief in the goodness of America. We understand, like our Founding Fathers understood, that we are endowed by our Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We understand that there is a basic goodness to our country, and although it may take some time, America will get it right.
While our pro-life convictions cement our belief that we will ultimately overturn Roe v. Wade, we do understand the threats we face in the upcoming Congress. The Democratic leadership and President Obama have indicated that important pro-life measures are now in jeopardy. We have the threat of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would overturn every pro-life victory that we have won in the more than three decades since Roe v. Wade. Also in jeopardy is the continuance of the "pro-life riders." These important measures, added to the annual appropriations bills, have prevented American tax dollars from being used to promote or perform abortion.
In the months ahead, attacks to pro-life protections will come from all directions. That is why it is important we not only defend existing legislation but also look to make advancements that will protect life. The pro-life community knows that improvements in technology have helped our side of the debate. The ability to see a beating heart of an unborn child has an impact on everyone. I still remember those first pictures of our four children. They brought overwhelming pride and emotion as I stood with my wife Polly, in awe of the images before us.
That is why on this day, along with other pro-life members of Congress, we are excited about introducing the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act. This legislation will empower women with information, and it will provide them the opportunity to make a truly informed decision.
With the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act, a doctor would have the ability to perform an ultrasound on a pregnant woman and provide an accompanying explanation and display of the results. The physician's description would provide information on the size of the unborn child, its heartbeat and the presence of limbs and internal organs. This information would be entirely voluntary to the patient, who would not be compelled to view the images or hear the description. In states that already have this law, it has proven to be an effective tool to reduce the number of abortions. This visual invites a deeper reflection on the humanity of the unborn child. We believe the compelling image will result in more children having the gift of life.
On this solemn day, I want to thank the thousands who are united in Washington to lend their voices to the unborn. Thousands who represent the millions who have worked tirelessly to preserve a culture of life in America. Today, in the January cold, we celebrate another year of our commitment to the unalienable right to life our Creator intended for all human beings.
Rep. Jordan is a member of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and is in his second term as Ohio's Fourth District Representative.