by Gina Parker Ford

While this week is filled with the celebration, the euphoria, and sadly the media hype of inaugurating a new President, it is vital for Americans not to overlook an important date that takes place just two days after Barack Obama's inauguration. January 22nd marks the 36^th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and the mourning of the loss of life of 50 million babies that have been legally aborted since this decision made abortion on demand the law of the land.

What does it mean to be pro-life? Life is not just a political position. Every child is a gift. Every child is a unique person. Life is the soft small bundle of joy that is born. Life is the crying that keeps mother and daddy up all night. Life is hearing your child say “Mama” and “Daddy” for the first time. Life is watching your child take his or her first steps.

Life is toys all over the house, dirty diapers, laughter, crying, and potty training. It is Barbie dolls and trucks, kindergarten, birthday parties, sports, piano lessons, and ballet classes. It is bruises, swing sets, and dogs and cats. It’s report cards, prom, high school graduation, and college. Life is work, marriage, and babies.  This is what every unborn child should have the right to experience.

The Psalmist David wrote that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by the Giver of Life. Our Creator has even numbered the hairs of our head. Truly, life is meant to be a celebration.

President Ronald Reagan said, “Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born.” They have tasted life, but are callous to those who have not.

Proponents of killing unborn babies argue that abortion is necessary to avoid the possibility of child abuse or neglect due to an unwanted pregnancy or to avoid “punishing” a young teenage mother with the responsibility of raising a child. Consider the craziness of how liberals think! They take the untenable position that to avoid possible abuse and neglect that one should just kill the unborn child! Is it any wonder that Princeton’s Peter Singer, a professor of bioethics no less, has taken this thinking to its logical conclusion and now advocates infanticide? Liberals seek to orchestrate society so that “unseen” violence and death are the answers to life’s challenges.

This culture of death propagates the message to our young people that irresponsible behavior does not have consequences. It says to place self first before others by advocating that having a career and material things are more important than family and motherhood.

Rather than encouraging young people to have courage and hope when faced with difficulties, liberals promote ending life as the answer to life’s challenges. Mother Teresa wisely warned, “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.”

Sadly, abortion does not embrace the grace and forgiveness of God, the power of love, the promise of beauty for ashes, and the love and support from friends, family, and community. Instead, abortion kills the innocent unborn child, leaves the mother with emotional and physical scars that haunt her for a life-time, and rapes the conscience of a nation.

Let this passing anniversary serve as a reminder that we must continue to pray and to be a voice for the unborn child.