National Sanctity of Human Life Day is an annual observance on January 22. On this day, we raise our voices against abortion. The presidents of the U.S. have been celebrating this day regularly since 1973 against the ruling of the case Roe vs. Wade, which legalized the right of abortion for a woman. Republican leaders since President Reagan have strongly opposed the law and have stressed the need to give the rights of life to every born and unborn individual. Because of this, January 22 has been dedicated to celebrating National Sanctity of Human Life Day.
History of National Sanctity of Human Life Day
In the historic case of Roe vs. Wade (1973), in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on January 22 that it is the pregnant woman’s right to determine whether she wants an abortion The outcome of this case was that the woman was legally allowed to go for an abortion if she wanted. Since this outcome, many movements came into existence that openly opposed the ruling. The movement became stronger when U.S. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed January 22 as National Sanctity of Human Life Day.
Since Reagan’s proclamation, the next presidents have maintained the importance of this day as the day was continuously celebrated for this purpose. So much so that the day is traditionally observed as a holy day by the Lutheran Church. Republicans have been famous in this regard that they have continuously supported this movement against the right of abortion, but during the Democrat President Bill Clinton’s tenure, the day was not celebrated. George W. Bush restored it and observance of this day continued in 2001.
Throughout history, this day has been celebrated continuously by the republicans but has faced opposition from the democrats. The virtue of this day does not exist in the support this movement receives from the political parties. The key value comes from the movement itself, which emphasizes the need to protect and save lives, born or unborn.
National Sanctity of Human Life Day timeline
The legal case is won by Jane Roe, a pregnant woman, who went to the U.S. Supreme Court for her right to get an abortion, which was illegal in her resident State of Texas.
Opposing the Supreme Court’s ruling on its 11th anniversary, Reagan proclaims January 22 as a day to celebrate the Sanctity of Human Life.
The Supreme Court upholds the constitutional right for the woman but adds strict conditions for abortion to take place.
After eight years of Clinton’s tenure during which the Human Life Sanctity Day was not observed, President Bush reinstates this day’s observance.
National Sanctity of Human Life Day FAQs
What is the sanctity of human life?
The term describes the preciousness of human life. First, the sanctity of life is a concept that one believes in — a moral conviction. Second, it is a moral conviction about how human beings are to be perceived and treated.
What are the violations of the sanctity of life?
Violence, abuse, oppression, human trafficking, and many other wrongs are also violations of the sanctity of life.
How does the sanctity of life apply to abortion?
Many apply the sanctity of life to issues like abortion and euthanasia, and, while it applies to those issues, it applies to much more. The sanctity of life should motivate us to combat all forms of evil and injustice that are perpetrated against human life. These include human trafficking, domestic abuse, and much more.
How to Observe National Sanctity of Human Life Day
Spread the word
Educate your friends on the value of life and how important it is to protect a life that cannot even defend itself against abortion. Show them alternatives to abortion and where they can go for help.
Help others
Reach out to foster and group homes in your area and bring them a meal once every few weeks. Volunteering to spend time with the children will also help the often frazzled parents.
Support women who are pregnant
Many women choose abortion because they cannot care for the child. Support those mothers financially and assure them that it will be okay. In this way, you become part of the solution.
5 Facts About Abortions That Everyone Should Know
18.9 abortions per 100 births
According to Statista, there were 18.9 abortions in every 100 births in the U.S.
The state with the most abortions
As many as 30 women aged 15 – 44 have had abortions per 1,000 women in the District of Columbia.
61% say it should be lega
In a survey, 61% of the participants said abortion should be legal all or most of the time and 37% said it should be illegal all or most of the time.
Some religions and government stand together
The church and the government have had their disagreements throughout, but the sanctity of human life is one issue where some religions completely support the government.
First National Sanctity of Human Life Day
The first observance of this day came 11 years after the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case Roe vs. Wade.
Why National Sanctity of Human Life Day is Important
Every life matters
61% of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal all or most of the time. The people call for a more detailed and thorough ruling on the case of abortion, as they believe every life matters, and it should not be one person’s decision to take away or give life.
It creates awareness
Abortion comes in as a last resort for women who cannot support or care for a child. This fact needs to become public information so that support can be garnered for the unborn child and the pregnant mother.
We can achieve common ground
Until today, there have been pro-abortion movements or anti-abortion movements. Each side has presented its problems and reasoning, but no effort has been made to achieve a common ground where the health of a mother and the child is considered. The movement has become more political rather than personal. Observing this day can bring together people from both factions to formulate legislation that protects life and ensures its sanctity.
National Sanctity of Human Life Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 22 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 22 | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 22 | Friday |
| 2028 | January 22 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January 22 | Monday |
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