From the Congressional Record, 1-19-11
Page
H340
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Rep. Stutzman discusses “life is fully human and infinitely valuable
at the moment of fertilization”
Mr. STUTZMAN. Thank you and thank you to my colleagues for
bringing this very, very important issue to the House floor this
evening. I appreciated all the other comments that have already been
made.
Having the opportunity to serve as the chairman in public policy
back in Indiana, I do remember the time when my wife and I were
expecting our second born. When we were dealing with pro-life
legislation in Indiana, and having the opportunity to go home and to
see the ultrasounds of our second-born son was quite the experience.
And I know that with the anniversary of Roe v. Wade coming up,
this is an issue that is on a lot of hearts and minds of Americans
across the country. So today I rise as we remember the 38th
anniversary of Roe v. Wade, but more importantly the millions of
innocent lives taken since 1973. In 2008 alone, there were over 1.2
million abortions; that is 3,315 innocent unborn children per day,
138 per hour and about two every minute.
While I have no doubt that future generations will place Roe v.
Wade alongside the terrible Dred Scott decision, I know that there
is much unfinished work before us. All of that work begins with a
single inquiry. Mr. Speaker, a simple question forms the cornerstone
of a national debate: When does human life begin? Without that
answer, we are left with empty rhetoric and euphemisms. So I ask:
When does human life begin? This question is not a lofty
philosophical endeavor. Science has already given us the answer.
Advances in molecular biology underscore the undeniable fact that
life is present from the moment of fertilization. That life is fully
human and infinitely valuable. Those who willfully ignore reality
ought to remember the admonition of our second President, John
Adams, that facts are stubborn things.
Because a unique human life begins at the moment of
fertilization, it is our solemn duty to defend the unborn, to speak
up for the weak, to continue with firmness in the right. I proudly
support H.R. 212, the Sanctity of Human Life Act, which defines
human life accordingly and affirms that each State has the authority
to protect the lives of all human beings. We take up this charge
because we are still dedicated to the proposition that all men are
created equal. All possess the inalienable right to life.
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